Pair Of WW2 British R.A.F. Mk 4 Aircraft/U-Boat Spotting Binoculars with Rubberised Eye Shields and Canvas Strap

Here on offer is an early production pair of RAF WW2 issued, Mk 4 Aircraft/U-Boat spotting binoculars with a rubberised eye shields and original canvas webbing strap.

My understanding is these MK 4 binoculars were made by Ross under a Royal Air Force contract and were introduced in 1941.

They have excellent optics that are “fixed focus”, pre-adjusted to infinity for persons with normal sight.

The "B" marking on right shoulder indicates that the optics are "bloomed", i.e. coated and the marking War Dept arrow with "6E/383" is a Royal Air Force stores code for this type of instrument.
They are also marked 'MK4' and serial number '8829'

The red painted screws on the front plate are a feature of the British military binoculars of that era. These are gas ports which allowed the binoculars to have the air inside purged under vacuum, then completely dehumidified (desiccated) and then drawn back in before they were sealed again.

I believe this type were used by observers in Beaufighters and some night fighters during WW2 for reconnaissance, including U-boat spotting. This explains the purpose of the large rubber eye shields which would be helpful in maintaining night vision.

The binoculars are in great condition for their age and have seen service. The main body is excellent, with all the paint remaining on the textured grips. There is paint missing from the smooth rim edges, at the top and bottom.
The eye shield has a section of WW2 period thick rubberised tape stuck to the centre section of the eye shields, to support or repair where it bends when the width is adjusted.

The optics are excellent condition, no chips or damage that I can see.

The binoculars measure 8.75” (22.2cm) high including the eye shields and 7” (17.8cm) wide.

They weigh a heavy 1.1Kg.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

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The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.


Many thanks for taking the time to look.

Code: 51107