A pair of Japanese naval binoculars by Fuji Meibo, of 15 × 80 magnification, dating to the period of World War II, mounted on a custom stand.
Of large-scale construction, the binoculars were designed for long-range maritime observation, where enhanced light-gathering capability and optical clarity were essential. The 80 mm objective lenses provide substantial brightness, while the 15-power magnification allows for detailed observation over considerable distances.
The present example has been hand-polished, revealing the underlying craftsmanship of the metal body and emphasizing the precision engineering inherent in its construction. Mounted on a custom tripod stand, the binoculars achieve a total height of approximately 65 inches and a width of 42 inches, lending the piece a commanding physical presence.
Japanese naval binoculars of this scale were typically reserved for major vessels and strategic observation points, where stability and visibility were paramount. Their survival in such display-ready condition is increasingly uncommon.
Beyond their technical function, these binoculars possess a compelling aesthetic quality—combining monumental scale, refined mechanics, and sculptural form, placing them firmly within the category of museum-quality industrial objects.
Literature
Japanese Naval Optical Instruments and Fire Control Systems
Military Optics of the Second World War
Comparative examples in the Smithsonian Institution
A pair of Japanese naval binoculars by Fuji Meibo, of 15 × 80 magnification, dating to the period of World War II, mounted on a custom stand.
Of large-scale construction, the binoculars were designed for long-range maritime observation, where enhanced light-gathering capability and optical clarity were essential. The 80 mm objective lenses provide substantial brightness, while the 15-power magnification allows for detailed observation over considerable distances.
The present example has been hand-polished, revealing the underlying craftsmanship of the metal body and emphasizing the precision engineering inherent in its construction. Mounted on a custom tripod stand, the binoculars achieve a total height of approximately 65 inches and a width of 42 inches, lending the piece a commanding physical presence.
Japanese naval binoculars of this scale were typically reserved for major vessels and strategic observation points, where stability and visibility were paramount. Their survival in such display-ready condition is increasingly uncommon.
Beyond their technical function, these binoculars possess a compelling aesthetic quality—combining monumental scale, refined mechanics, and sculptural form, placing them firmly within the category of museum-quality industrial objects.
Literature
Japanese Naval Optical Instruments and Fire Control Systems
Military Optics of the Second World War
Comparative examples in the Smithsonian Institution
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