Yesterday I saw two 6x24 interesting Porroprism binoculars for sale, and after having detailed discussions with a reputable dealer I bought them.
Supposedly in very fine condition.
The 6x24 Russian was very interesting although I have one.
And the German one was most interesting. A Mauser, although it didn't come with any ammunition. It seems that Mauser closed in the 1990s?, but maybe somebody bought the name.
It seems that these two binoculars are Chinese, and although I would be interested in testing them as they may have good coatings I paid too much.
I just rang the dealer and they had not left the shop.
The salesman was not a binocular salesman and had no idea they were probably fakes.
He agreed to refund my money.
Luckily I photographed the screen photos so was able to confirm my suspicions. Once the photos are taken down it may be hard to prove what was advertised, so photographing the sale photos is a good idea.
The 'Russian' 6x24 is dated 1976 from the serial number, but the binocular is almost certainly fake.
The Mauser 6x24 clearly says Germany. I doubt that even the axle end cap, which says Germany, is made in Germany.
Apparently discussions indicate that even Baigish binoculars may be made in China also.
The Chinese have really become a major source of unethical behaviour.
Yet the Skywatcher and other telescopes are usually of excellent quality and very low priced really.
So I write this as a warning.
If you can inspect a fake and it is a good useful binocular one might buy it at a reasonable price.
But don't pay high prices for bad fakes.
Supposedly in very fine condition.
The 6x24 Russian was very interesting although I have one.
And the German one was most interesting. A Mauser, although it didn't come with any ammunition. It seems that Mauser closed in the 1990s?, but maybe somebody bought the name.
It seems that these two binoculars are Chinese, and although I would be interested in testing them as they may have good coatings I paid too much.
I just rang the dealer and they had not left the shop.
The salesman was not a binocular salesman and had no idea they were probably fakes.
He agreed to refund my money.
Luckily I photographed the screen photos so was able to confirm my suspicions. Once the photos are taken down it may be hard to prove what was advertised, so photographing the sale photos is a good idea.
The 'Russian' 6x24 is dated 1976 from the serial number, but the binocular is almost certainly fake.
The Mauser 6x24 clearly says Germany. I doubt that even the axle end cap, which says Germany, is made in Germany.
Apparently discussions indicate that even Baigish binoculars may be made in China also.
The Chinese have really become a major source of unethical behaviour.
Yet the Skywatcher and other telescopes are usually of excellent quality and very low priced really.
So I write this as a warning.
If you can inspect a fake and it is a good useful binocular one might buy it at a reasonable price.
But don't pay high prices for bad fakes.