Ross, Prism Binocular Power = 8, 8X20 (View 1)

Manufacturer/Model: Ross, Prism Binocular Power = 8, 8X20

Field of View: estimate 5 deg = 87 m/1,000 m; APFOV 40 deg

Weight: 408 gr

Exit Pupil: 2.5 mm

Serial #/Year of Manufacture: 29649 = circa 1909

Notes: Ross' 1st Series Prism binoculars came onto the market in 1899, and the improved 2nd Series with the prism plates extended to form the hinges followed around 1900. The objective lenses of this binocular are in-line with the eyepieces in order not to violate Zeiss' patent (which didn’t expire until 1908) for spacing the objective lenses farther apart than the eyepieces to give the view a stereoscopic effect. Because it is an individual focus binocular it does not have a center bar which was normal for this model (see View 2: www.flickr.com/photos/binocwpg/17115389488/in/photostream/ ). The eyecups are aluminum and look out of place, but they are well made and aluminum as well as brass eyecups have been found on other early Ross binoculars so it is possible they are original.

 

The binocular is leather covered and marked with extremely worn British Admiralty (Navy) arrows on each barrel. These arrows are also present on each objective and eyepiece prism plate and on the leather case. The left objective prism plate is marked NPL15 (see View 3: www.flickr.com/photos/binocwpg/20387883394/in/photostream/ ) certifying the binocular was inspected and approved by the National Physical Laboratory in 1915 whose responsibility it was to test and ensure the quality of Admiralty (but not Army) instruments. Although the binocular’s serial number indicates manufacture circa 1909, the NPL15 marking indicates the binocular was purchased by the government from a dealer’s unsold inventory about 1915 (if it were a donated binocular it would have been marked with an S which it is not). The name R.J.M. De St. Leger is written on the case (see View 4: www.flickr.com/photos/binocwpg/21000571862/in/photostream/ ) and on one of the binocular’s strap plates (see View 5: www.flickr.com/photos/binocwpg/20823627029/in/photostream/ ).

 

An internet search found the following biographical information about R.J.M. De St. Leger.

1) From: Gallipoli Campaign- Naval Mentions, Army Despatch dated 22 September 1915 from General Headquarters, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. “In continuation of my Despatch of the 26th of August, I have the honor to submit herewith the following additional names of Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Men whose services, during the operations described therein, I consider deserving of special mention...Royal Naval Division – Royal Naval Armoured Car Section – de St Leger, Sub-Lieutenant R.J.M. R.N.V.R.”. and

2) From: ’Good God, Sir, Are You Hurt?’ The Realities and Perils of Operating over India’s Troublesome North-West Frontier, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Roe, Air Power Review, page 61.“Engine failures were also common across the fleet of veteran World War I aircraft – which remained on in India until the early 1930’s – and resulted in equal challenges for the downed aircrews and authorities. For example, a DH 9A from 27 Squadron, flown by Flying Officer R.J.M. De St. Leger, encountered engine trouble on 21 January 1922 and force-landed east of Mandesh. The crew escaped uninjured from the crash and, despite an anxious period in tribal captivity, were later escorted unharmed to Ladha”.

 

Thanks to Terence Weyland for the information about early Ross eyecups and government acquisition of the binocular.

 

See: www.flickr.com/photos/binocwpg/4561517846/ for more detailed information about the build of the Ross 2nd Series Prismatic Binocular.

 

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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