I have what seems to be a very rare pair of Field Glasses made by Widdifield & Co. in Boston from the mid-1800s. I'm looking for an approximate value. I understand that there probably won't be an expert on this forum, but I'm looking for the name of someone that specializes in antique binoculars.
Thanks in advance!
goldentalon34
Right now, at least in the Eastern US, most Galileans are beaten down low in actual purchase price,
due to a flood of opera glasses. What you've got is much prettier, though, with no leftover glue
or shedding leather bits, a very nice dark patina and the bright brass to contrast. Since there
isn't a solid floor on middle-class collectibles like that anymore, your outstanding appearance
should put them in a class by themselves. I have sold some of the same at my shelves
at an antique shop, but in worse shape. Here in Mass., you might have to wait a while,
but they might go for $50 - $100, if the lenses are passable.
If they aren't (like, if the balsam has started
to suck away from the objective), that's easily fixed, or at least made
passable by dissolving the balsam and putting up with a little shine.
The appearance is very unusual. I'd clean lightly and go Dutch-auction on
E-Bay (buy-now price starting at twice that max and stepping down.
I've had a few like that and they have been dinged up or scummy.
People bought those because they could afford them and used them hard
for hunting or farming, so most are in bad shape.
I think they will be worth a lot more later. The street economy is very
cash-strapped now, and the very-wealthy collect more super things.