Hayward U.S. NAVY BUSHIPS MARK 45 MOD 0 7X50 (Australian Navy modification) (View 1)

Manufacturer/Model: Hayward U.S. NAVY BUSHIPS MARK 45 MOD 0 7X50 (Australian Navy modification)

Field of View: 7 deg 10 min = 124.5 m/1,000 m; APFOV 50.12 deg

Weight: 1366 gr

Exit Pupil: 7.14 mm

Serial #/Year of Manufacture: 316039 =1944

Notes: See: www.flickr.com/photos/binocwpg/9518992968/in/photolist-9y... for a detailed description of the Hayward U.S. Navy Mark 45 7X50.

 

During World War II Australian forces used several types of British binoculars (f.ex. Bino Prism No. 2 6X30, No. 3 6X24, No. 5 7X50, and Barr & Stroud CF41 7X50) plus American ones provided under Lend Lease agreements (f.ex. Wollensak M5 6X30), and Canadian REL 6X30’s and 7X50’s as well as a variety of impressed civilian binoculars. After the war the better instruments were retained and remained in service until at least the 1960’s. Many were upgraded with anti-reflective coated optics, and if stocks were low, surplus ones from Great Britain, Canada and the United States were probably acquired. Although it’s documented that Australian forces used the aforementioned binoculars during WW II, there is no documentation the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) used American made 7X50’s during the war instead of only afterward. This is despite the fact that a number of RAN marked and/or modified examples of this type binocular have been seen. They are:

1) A US Navy National Instrument Corp Mk 32 Mod 1 1943 7X50 with RAN marking and single desiccator connection per prism plate with RAN marked leather case;

2) A US Navy Bausch & Lomb Mk 1(?) Mod 2 1941 7X50 with RAN marking and single desiccator connection per prism plate;

3) An REL CGB 57 GA 7X50 with RAN marking and single desiccator connection per prism plate (Canadian made, not American, but included in list because of similar markings and desiccator modifications).

 

The above Mark 45 is not RAN marked but was purchased from an Australian collector who believed it to be an Australian Navy binocular, and in common with the three referenced binoculars it has been uniquely modified with a single Barr & Stroud CF41 type desiccator connection fitted to each prism plate and the original US markings on both prism plates have been blacked over with a white painted number deeply stamped into the right plate all of which indicates probable RAN use.

 

The obliterated marking on the left prism plate may have been a “This Instrument has ‘Coated Optics’ Clean Lenses Carefully” type decal. The significance of the red disc on the side of each objective barrel (see View 2: www.flickr.com/photos/binocwpg/20782335611/in/photostream/ ) is unknown.

 

This binocular has coated optics and despite its well-used condition, optical performance remains excellent.

 

View 3: www.flickr.com/photos/binocwpg/16147265303/ shows how the CF41 desiccator connection plug in each prism plate is internally fitted and how the Mark 45’s prism shelf assembly is attached to its prism plate instead of the body for improved shockproofing. The Bausch & Lomb Mark 41, Sard Mark 21 and Sard Mark 43 are also built this way, but other U.S. Navy WW II binoculars are not.

 

Note: If you have a vintage binocular you either wish to sell or would just like some information about, I can be contacted at flagorio@shaw.ca .

 

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