Binoculars: I bet you can’t eat just one!

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My Pop's old Fed Mart 7x50's

My Pop’s old Fed Mart 7×50’s

Marked "Japan" and a leaning "J" number on either side: J-E22 and J-B32

Marked “Japan” and a leaning “J” number on either side: J-E22 and J-B32

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The $8 7x35 Binolux glasses.

The $8 7×35 Binolux glasses.

Marked "Japan" and the same leaning-"J" type numbers, just slightly different: J-E29 and J-B22

Marked “Japan” and the same leaning-“J” type numbers, just slightly different: J-E29 and J-B22

The $10 Belfont 7x50's.

The $10 Belfont 7×50’s.

Again, marked "Japan" and has a single "leaning-J" number: J-B251

Again, marked “Japan” and has a single “leaning-J” number: J-B251

I think I'm set for 4th of July Fireworks watching :D

I think I’m set for 4th of July Fireworks watching :D

Updated: June 27, 2013 — 4:56 pm

8 Comments

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  1. Nice binoculars.

    I keep a set in my truck. Usually I watch airplanes at lunch time. Then there is always the beach.

  2. Nice find! You’re right, you can never have too many binoculars … And cameras … And typewriters….

  3. I must get mine out of the neighborhood watch room and look at more pleasant things with them, such as birds.
    You sure do score nice things! I must go thrifting with you one day.

  4. Great sets of binoculars, Ted! I might do a short write-up on my pair, although there’s not much to tell about them. I’ll have to read Joe Van C’s post too. And Bill, is it safe to sit in a truck and look at aeroplanes through binoculars in these cautious times?

    1. if you do, note any markings stamped into the front frame. I’m very curious about those “leaning-J” marks. They seem to indicate either model number system or maybe date code, and may indicate that all three sets were originally manufactured by the same company in Japan, and branded for various resellers.

      See the sort of weird expectations that typewriter collecting breeds? I feel I should be able to trace back the manufacturer and date for anything if I know the serial number. :D

    1. It does! Sadly, they are not date codes, but happily, they are manufacturer codes:

      My Pop’s Fed-Mart 7×50’s:
      JB 32 Miyako Seiki Co. Ltd.

      Binolux 7×35’s:
      JB 22 Itabashi Kogaku Kikai Seisakujo Inc.,Tokyo

      Belfont 7×50’s:
      JB 251 Toho Optical Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tokyo

      If only there were serial number lists… :D

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