Piedmont 7X50
Manufacturer/Model: ? (no JB #) /Piedmont 7 X 50
Field of View: 7.1 deg = 123 yd/1,000 yd; APFOV 49.7 deg
Weight: 945 gr
Exit Pupil: 7.14 mm
Serial #/Year of Manufacture: 14210 = between 1952 - 1958
Notes: The absence of “Made in Occupied Japan” labelling indicates manufactured after 1951, and absence of “J” coding indicates manufactured before 1959. Build quality is a little rough - I discovered old metal filings in objective tubes which looked like they'd been there since manufacture - but optical qualities aren't bad. These post-war Japanese binoculars in Zeiss style 7X50 configuration proliferate at garage sale and flea markets and can be purchased for very little. Lots will have English or German sounding names, but often the actual manufacturer's name will not be given (a "JB" coding might be present which can be used to research the manufacturer). The optical qualities of quite a few are acceptable because the Japanese optical industry strictly controlled production standards. However, many will require collimation and cleaning. If you're able to do this, they're not a bad glass to keep in a ziplock bag in the boat or under the seat in the car. If you haven't attempted these repairs but would like to learn how, they're good to practice on.
Piedmont 7X50
Manufacturer/Model: ? (no JB #) /Piedmont 7 X 50
Field of View: 7.1 deg = 123 yd/1,000 yd; APFOV 49.7 deg
Weight: 945 gr
Exit Pupil: 7.14 mm
Serial #/Year of Manufacture: 14210 = between 1952 - 1958
Notes: The absence of “Made in Occupied Japan” labelling indicates manufactured after 1951, and absence of “J” coding indicates manufactured before 1959. Build quality is a little rough - I discovered old metal filings in objective tubes which looked like they'd been there since manufacture - but optical qualities aren't bad. These post-war Japanese binoculars in Zeiss style 7X50 configuration proliferate at garage sale and flea markets and can be purchased for very little. Lots will have English or German sounding names, but often the actual manufacturer's name will not be given (a "JB" coding might be present which can be used to research the manufacturer). The optical qualities of quite a few are acceptable because the Japanese optical industry strictly controlled production standards. However, many will require collimation and cleaning. If you're able to do this, they're not a bad glass to keep in a ziplock bag in the boat or under the seat in the car. If you haven't attempted these repairs but would like to learn how, they're good to practice on.