Description
Vintage B. Cooke & Son Ltd Hull binoculars, complete with original black carry case and leather neck strap.
These binoculars are marked “B. Cooke & Son Ltd, Hull” around the eyepieces and have an interesting personalised inscription to the front: “Cadet M. Burwell – Hull Nautical College 1955–56.” This makes them a very characterful pair with strong nautical / maritime training interest.
The binoculars are in well-used vintage condition, with age-related cosmetic wear throughout, including paint loss, rubbing, marks and brassing to the body, eyepiece surrounds and lens rims. The black textured enamel body covering is complete, with general wear consistent with age and use. The leather neck strap is also present but aged.
The optics are intact and clean, and the binoculars produce very clear images, especially considering their age. The focusing mechanism works, and they are suitable for collection, display, or general observation.
The original black leather case is included. It shows wear, scuffs, scratches and age-related marks, but remains a good period accessory for the binoculars. The lid is detached from the case.
Main features:
- Maker / retailer: B. Cooke & Son Ltd, Hull
- Inscription: Cadet M. Burwell, Hull Nautical College, 1955–56
- Objective lens diameter: 55mm
- Eye lens diameter: 25mm
- Central focusing wheel
- Magnification: not marked, but estimated around 7-8x (or up to 10x)
- Extendable sunshades
- Size: 125mm (W) x 115mm (H) x 63mm (D)
- Weight: 839 g
- Includes black carry case and leather strap
- Good maritime / nautical collector’s item
Note:
B. Cooke & Son Ltd of Hull is a long-established Hull optical, nautical and instrument business, founded in 1863 by Barnard Cooke, described by the company as a clock maker and optician, and the firm has a long association with nautical instruments and Admiralty charts.
