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ANTIQUE Binoculars/Japanese/Military/c.1910s/RARE,WORK!
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ANTIQUE Binoculars/Japanese/Military/c.1910s/RARE,WORK!
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This is a pair of VERY RARE and fine antique Japanese binoculars from the Taisho Era, with their original leather case, in working condition. Used by military, made by Fuji Bros. Tokyo.
The inscription in the lid of the case says they were made at "Fuji Lense Manufacturing Site, Tokyo, Shiba". The inscription on one side of the binoculars says "Fuji Bros. Tokyo. Fuji Lense was founded in 1909 and merged with Nikon in 1917 so since there is no mention of Nikon on the item or it's box, only Fuji, it is highly likely that it was made prior to 1917. Furthermore, the Tokyo district of Shiba was called by that name starting in 1911, so the item must have been made between 1911 and 1917, that is to say during the early part of the Taisho Era (1912-1926) . The model name is "Ten-Yu" , which was previously called the "Victor" for the export market, a name which was then criticised domestically as being too foreign, hence it was chaged to Ten-Yu" which roughly translates as "heaven's providence". When Nikon bought Fuji in 1917, the Ten-Yu was the first product Nikon sold. This one in all likelihood slightly pre-dates the Nikon merger as Nikon is not mentioned. It was a luxury item, as at the time it was made it sold for twice the average monthly salary : sale price 95 Yen, the average salary being 50 yen at the time. Not being a specialist in the area of militaria, I'm not sure if these were specifically a military model or not, but they were used by the military, have the aspect of a military item, and given their high retail price, I would assume that only the military could afford such an item anyway. CONDITION: The optics seem to be working extraordinarily well for the age, I looked through them and was able to get a very sharp focus. However there are many specs of dirt inside the lenses. The leather coating of the binoculars is in excellent condition. The leather case is in excellent condition with natural scuffs and wear from age, with the exception of the strap which is somewhat brittle and torn in one place. The original hook to close the lid is broken (and has obviously been gone for a very very long time given the age of the ribbon that was attached to replace it). The reddish brown enamel/metal coating (roughly the same colour as typical Japanese lacquer ware) of the binoculars is peeling in places. The cap on one of the eye lenses has broken off. Please refer to the photographs. As with all vintage items it is possible to miss a small fault. I do my best to describe my items as accurately and honestly as possible. This item was photographed indoors with flash. Please note that colours can vary slightly depending on photographic lighting conditions as well as your monitor. SHIPPING to US $ 28 by standard Airmail, $ 38 by Express Mail Service (insured, traceable) about 4 days (does not include handling time). to Europe $ 28 by standard Airmail, $ 44 Express Mail Service (insured, traceable) about 4 days (does not include handling time). Economy shipping (SAL) available on request. It takes 2 to 3 weeks. Please note that standard airmail and SAL are not insured for loss or damage and do NOT have tracking (except for large parcels over 2 kg, ie several items). If you live closer to Japan, the shipping rates will generally be lower, excepting Australia which has similar rates as Europe and US. SHIPPING* Shipping is decided by weight (by the post office) . Heavy items, and fragile items which require adequate wrapping materials (thus adding more weight) will cost more to ship than light and/or items that do not break easily. Thank you for your understanding. Shipping rates in USD are calculated based on the Yen-Dollar exchange rate of the day of listing. Ebay requires international sellers to provide a flat shipping cost to all buyers, so do please inquire at auction end how much shipping actually costs to your destination, if it is not described in the listing. The price quoted in the listing title is for standard Airmail to the US & Europe . If you pre... 
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