WW 2 US Navy MK 41 Mark 41 Bausch Wide Field Binoculars

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Despite the recent appearance on ebay of three examples of this rare model binocular, it is believed by experts that only 150 were ever completed. If you have been following the ebay auctions In the past , you will know that this model has sold for as high as $5000.00. Check this ebay sale: 110112938007 which is a set that sold for $3000. That sale offered a set of Mk 41 that were in nice condition. It was sold by a collector who has a few examples of this model. In fact, most of the Mk 41s that were made are owned by collectors and they mostly know one another, so these binoculars only come up when someone liquidates their collection. That is how I obtained this set. I bought two, and am keeping the lesser pair for myself. The other Mk 41s that recently sold on ebay were worn and in need of service, The example offered in this auction is in superior condition to those of ebay sale 110112938007 , and has just been serviced at Baker Marine, who has serviced Navy binoculars since 1936. The cosmetic condition of this pair is beautiful, and all of the lenses are clear and scratch free. Looking through the objectives, you will see a clear optical path with no chipped prisms, or lens element lens element separation. Those who are really picky, may notice a few black tiny specks. I saw these after getting the binoculars back from service, so I returned them and was told that these were flaws in the prism glass. This in no way effects the image quality. I have another pair of Mk 41 and they also had some specks. The rubber eyeshade is original, and has a tiny nick on one edge, and if you prefer, I can exchange it for a replacement, but the contour of the replacement appears to be different from the original. I doubt that a finer example of Mk 41 binoculars will be found any time soon. If you have never held the Mk 41,you will be surprised by the view. Looking through this glass is an amazing experience. The view is approximately 30% wider than most 7x50 glass, and if you have ever looked through 6x42 Mark 43 Sards, you will immediately see that the extra magnification and light gathering capability makes a big difference. It is often said that they don't make things like they used to, and surely people tend to get attached to products that are no longer made. With many technological products, one could argue that newer is better, and surely with cameras or computers this is the case. Certainly a new Leica will outperform a vintage M4, yet still people are attracted to the vintage model, probably more for romance than actual product superiority. With military binoculars things are very different. These optical devices were designed for a specialized military purpose and made in a time when manufacturing techniques were utilized to produce something of outstanding performance and durability. Now the military uses inexpensive binoculars that are mass produced and disposed of once worn or damaged. The military no longer requires a wide field binocular to search the sky for enemy planes. Radar technology, new in WW 2 is used to locate and identify aircraft. The consumer binocular industry has no interest in recreating the optical designs of these and other legendary binoculars. It would be too expensive to make such a product. That is why collectors seek these Binoculars and pay top dollar when they appear. I have made every effort to accurately describe this offering to the best of my abilities. What I see and evaluate may be somewhat different from what you might see. If I missed something, it was not deliberate, rather more due to the powers of my eyesight and observation. Please look at the photographs carefully and ask any questions. I guarantee this sale to reasonably conform to the description. No other guarantee is expressed or implied. Sold as is. I will ship this product by FEDEX air. No carrier insures antique optical devices for the actual sale value, so unless you wish to pick up this item in person, all risk to loss or damage shall be assumed by you, the purchaser. I reserve the right t... read more

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