Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice condition pair of rare WWII U.S. Navy Bu. Ships Mark 91 Mod 0 6x50 Submarine Torpedo Targeting Binoculars, made by Bausch & Lomb Optical Co., specifically designed for the Bureau of Ships. U.S. Navy organizations that were largely responsible for procurement in the 1940s were designated Bureaus, each commanded by a Rear Admiral. These Bureaus included: Aeronautics, Engineering, Navigation, Ordnance, and Ships. So the fleet of surface combat and support ships, of submarines, of Coast Guard and of Maritime Service vessels, along with most of their instruments and consumables too, were largely specified by and contracted for by the Bureau of Ships (BUSHIPS, or sometimes designated BU.SHIPS)
These heavy (40lbs) binoculars were mounted on the conning towers of U.S. Navy submarines, and were officially known as “Torpedo Forward Control Binoculars.” They were used to help spot and aim the submarine for effective deployment of torpedoes. This example still bears the brass maker's data plate reading
U.S. NAVY - BU. OF ORD.
TELESCOPE
MARK 91 MOD 0
WT. 40 SER. NO. 297
BAUSCH & LOMB OPTICAL CO.
The bottom of both barrels embossed with casting mold markings, with one side marked 415492 - - 1, and the other 415493 - - 1. To combat the effects of sea water, the body of these binoculars was made of solid stainless steel, a very, very scarce commodity during the war, and its use is indicative of the importance placed upon them!
These gas-filled binoculars consist of two heavy cylinders each measuring 4 inches in diameter. Each is connected to a thick common rod with two stout mounting plates having four points of support. The rod allows the binoculars to pivot independently of each other to adjust for inter-papillary distance. The distance is adjusted by a retractable lever on the objective end. Each objective is fitted with a spring-loaded lens cover which snaps open and shut. In addition, built into each cover is yet another spring-loaded filter for daylight viewing in haze or bright sunlight. The field produced by the large objective lenses and internal prisms is wide, clear and highly magnified. The design does not really allow for any type of focusing, so there is no adjustment for that.
The binoculars look to be in very good condition, and the optics are still clear, with the rubber eye cups still present and supple. The adjustment on the front to change the angle of the binoculars is still present and functional. The front covers are still both present, though the right side is damaged, split open on one side long ago from some kind of pressure or maybe from being dropped. The binoculars have been bolted to a heavy steel plate with a cross bar, which is mounted to a yoke so that the binoculars can be used.
The stem on the bottom of the yoke fits into a sturdy tripod stand, so these can actually be used! Please note that the stand will have to be disassembled for shipping, so it will need to be put back together upon receipt.
A fantastic set, ready to display and maybe even use!
