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- Binoculars
- Thread starterpwjp2011
- Start dateJan 24, 2018
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P
pwjp2011
Active member
- Jan 24, 2018
- #1
I was given a set of old B&L Zephyr 7x35 binoculars. Made in Rochester, NY. They are in the original box and look new (even the box looks new). The person that gave them to me said they were a wedding present years ago - probably 1950s/1960s. Looks like they were never used.
They have a nice looking viewing image but I cant honestly say they are any better than the other binoculars I have.
I am not sure about keeping them because I would hate to damage them, they are that pristine. They really belong in a museum or in a collectors collection. I am not a collector, I use my binos. So what are the value of these things. It appears on prices are all over the place.
Steve C
Well-known member
- Jan 24, 2018
- #2
Yes prices can be all over the place. Sometimes over the moon. The big internet auction site is the best place to go if you want to sell them. Personally, I'd keep them. I don't quite get the no better image than other binoculars as my Zephyr 8x30 are pretty impressive, considering they are almost as old as I am, dating to 1952.
I'd list them as like new, be sure to include plenty of good pictures, I'd set the buy it now at $200.00. I'd not take less than $100. There is value there, but there is where I'd place them.
C
ceasar
Well-known member
- Jan 24, 2018
- #3
PWJP,
There was a guy from Poland who posted here recently showing his collection of old Porro prism binoculars which were in mint condition. He seems like the kind of guy you might want to contact about yours. Unfortunately I can't remember his name. Maybe some one else here can?
Bob
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pwjp2011
Active member
- Jan 25, 2018
- #4
Here are pics of the binoculars.
Many people (including myself ) have never seen a pair of Zephyrs in this condition so here are some pics.
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pwjp2011
Active member
- Jan 25, 2018
- #6
Last pic & comments
I have to say the workmanship on these binoculars is amazing. They are made like a high end camera or firearm from back in the day. As they say they dont make them like this anymore.
From my reading they would probably sell for like $1500 today. Pretty crazy and on par with the high end today. Not sure I will sell them or not as I will probably never see a pair like this ever again.
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ceasar
Well-known member
- Jan 25, 2018
- #7
It is in beautiful condition!:t:
What is it's Field of View and Eye Relief?
Bob
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Patudo
sub-200 birding aspirant
- Jan 26, 2018
- #9
Wow. That's a beautiful example of a true vintage binocular. If you do sell I hope you get a price that reflects their (immaculate, if the photos are any guide) condition and value as a bit of US binocular history. Stunning classic.
C
chartwell99
Well-known member
- Feb 1, 2018
- #10
pwjp2011 said:
I have to say the workmanship on these binoculars is amazing. They are made like a high end camera or firearm from back in the day. As they say they dont make them like this anymore.
From my reading they would probably sell for like $1500 today. Pretty crazy and on par with the high end today. Not sure I will sell them or not as I will probably never see a pair like this ever again.
I have owned several B & L Rochester binoculars over the years but the apparent condition of yours, plus the box and leather case, is truly remarkable. Be en garde, however, for stiff focusing (dried out lubricant), and fungus growth and dust on prisms. If all is good, you might actually see a price north of $1,000 if you decide to sell.
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pwjp2011
Active member
- Feb 2, 2018
- #11
chartwell99 said:
I have owned several B & L Rochester binoculars over the years but the apparent condition of yours, plus the box and leather case, is truly remarkable. Be en garde, however, for stiff focusing (dried out lubricant), and fungus growth and dust on prisms. If all is good, you might actually see a price north of $1,000 if you decide to sell.
Interesting about the price. It might be worth just hanging on to them and putting them away. I am hesitant to use them because of the condition, I dont even like handling them and I am very careful.
No stiff focusing, no fungus grown and no dust on prisms. Even the leather strap is completely intact and looks new. Basically its like a time warp in a box.
Per the woman I got them from she said they were a gift when she got married. They have been sitting in a drawer in her husbands dresser for the last 50+ years. She said she doesnt recall her husband ever using them.
C
chartwell99
Well-known member
- Feb 7, 2018
- #12
pwjp2011 said:
Interesting about the price. It might be worth just hanging on to them and putting them away. I am hesitant to use them because of the condition, I dont even like handling them and I am very careful.
No stiff focusing, no fungus grown and no dust on prisms. Even the leather strap is completely intact and looks new. Basically its like a time warp in a box.
Per the woman I got them from she said they were a gift when she got married. They have been sitting in a drawer in her husbands dresser for the last 50+ years. She said she doesnt recall her husband ever using them.
Wow - very impressive. Some years ago, I acquired a privately purchased in 1940 B & L officers I.F. binocular (the purchaser had to supply evidence to B & L of being a commissioned officer to purchase the glass, and the case had a metal stud on the bottom to prevent the possibility of it being stood up and then knocked over). I was told that the unfortunate purchaser was killed in the war and never took the binocular with him when he was sent overseas. The binocular was consequently never used and was in the same condition as yours. It truly was a time warp and I much regret selling it. Just a thought.
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pwjp2011
Active member
- Feb 7, 2018
- #13
chartwell99 said:
Wow - very impressive. Some years ago, I acquired a privately purchased in 1940 B & L officers I.F. binocular (the purchaser had to supply evidence to B & L of being a commissioned officer to purchase the glass, and the case had a metal stud on the bottom to prevent the possibility of it being stood up and then knocked over). I was told that the unfortunate purchaser was killed in the war and never took the binocular with him when he was sent overseas. The binocular was consequently never used and was in the same condition as yours. It truly was a time warp and I much regret selling it. Just a thought.
I understand what you are saying which is why I am hesitant to sell them. I will probably never see a pair like this ever again.
T
toguae
New member
- Apr 19, 2018
- #14
Bushnell Binocular
You can check the binocular Bushnell from this site I have tried and I bought from here it is good website Bushnell Binocular
J
John M Robinson
Well-known member
- May 4, 2018
- #15
pwjp2011 said:
Many people (including myself ) have never seen a pair of Zephyrs in this condition so here are some pics.
All I can say is wow!
B
Bencw
Well-known member
- May 8, 2018
- #16
That is a superb, pristine example, what did you decide to do ? If you have not sold them, I would say keep them, you wont see another like this. I am a collector, and I missed out on buying a used B&L Zephyr last year, it was boxed, with everything, but not quite as good as your one as the binocular had some light marks to the paintwork. That one went for just over £400 sterling. Thank you for showing, superb photos.
