Zeiss WW11 Binoculars (1 Viewer)

Binastro said:

This binocular and others on the site seem to be over-restored and vastly overpriced, even in today's money.

But there are people with more money than sense, for whom these are pocket money.

The antique trade is indeed a very strange place.

On the other hand I have met some very wealthy 'celebrities' who are so tight with their money that I personally told them to go elsewhere or words to that effect.

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garymh said:

Unfortunately it is becoming increasingly common for dealers to purchase old binoculars, polish / plate them, stick them on a new (but old looking) tripod and sell them for ridiculous sums.

The Ross gun sight binocular on the same site is for sale for £14,000 !!!!!!!
you can buy these on ebay for £100- £150.

My opinion is that polishing these instruments totally ruins them. They are pieces of history and their original patina has so much to tell about where they have been and what they have seen.

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Pinewood said:

Hello,

On another forum, I described such a binocular as "tarted up." The moderato4s censored the comment. I simply meant that it was over decorated like a pastry.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur

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garymh said:

Unfortunately it is becoming increasingly common for dealers to purchase old binoculars, polish / plate them, stick them on a new (but old looking) tripod and sell them for ridiculous sums.

The Ross gun sight binocular on the same site is for sale for £14,000 !!!!!!!
you can buy these on ebay for £100- £150.

My opinion is that polishing these instruments totally ruins them. They are pieces of history and their original patina has so much to tell about where they have been and what they have seen.

Click to expand...