Observation binoculars - Vintage Carpenter & Westley London Marine Deck Binoculars Field Theatre - 1900-1910 - United Kingdom

Vintage Carpenter & Westley London Marine Deck Binoculars Field Theatre
Rare and highly unusual vintage English marine deck binoculars / field glasses by Carpenter & Westley, 24 Regent Street, London.
This exceptional optical instrument features a distinctive three-position optical selector marked MARINE, FIELD and THEATRE. The positions can be changed using the original rotating mechanism, allowing the binocular to be configured for different viewing conditions and purposes.
The MARINE position makes this particularly interesting as a vintage marine or shipboard/deck binocular, while the FIELD and THEATRE settings demonstrate the versatility of the original optical design. This unusual multi-position system is one of the most distinctive features of the instrument and makes it considerably more interesting to collectors than a conventional field glass.
The binocular is of Galilean two-tube construction with central focusing, with a metal body, brass fittings and original leather covering. The optical shades are extendable.
It is accompanied by its original fitted leather carrying case, which is in exceptionally good condition. The manufacturer's identification is also present on the lid of the case.
Historical Background
Carpenter & Westley was an established British optical and scientific instrument firm associated with 24 Regent Street, London. The company produced and supplied a wide variety of optical and scientific instruments, and surviving examples bearing the Carpenter & Westley name are found in museum and private collections.
The design, construction and manufacturer's marking indicate an early British optical instrument. The exact date of manufacture is not known.
The MARINE / FIELD / THEATRE selector is an especially unusual feature and greatly enhances the appeal of this instrument as a historical marine optical device.
Condition
Excellent overall condition. The binocular retains its complete original leather covering with no losses or missing parts. Everything appears original and untouched, with no signs of restoration, modification or other intervention. The optics are in excellent condition, and all functions and adjustment mechanisms work properly.
Specifications
Maker: Carpenter & Westley
Address: 24 Regent Street, London, England
Type: Vintage Marine / Field Binoculars
Optical system: Galilean
Positions: MARINE / FIELD / THEATRE
Focusing: Central focusing
Body: Metal with brass fittings
Covering: Original leather
Case: Original fitted leather case
Lens diameter: approx. 50 mm
Width: approx. 12.5 cm / 4.9 in
Folded length: approx. 15 cm / 5.9 in
Extended length: approx. 22 cm / 8.7 in
A genuinely unusual and highly collectible example of early British optical engineering, particularly appealing to collectors of marine instruments, maritime antiques, vintage optics, British optical history and nautical memorabilia.


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