Description: A pair of nickel plated brass and hard plastic binoculars with leather covered barrels. Stamped on the face of the focus wheel is, "Made in Occupied Japan". Most likely the style name, "Pride" is inscribed ion the frame. The opposite side is stamped, TOKO 2.5x.


History: Toko and Nikko produced the largest number of large military binoculars during WWII. Most eyepieces were variations of the standard 5 element Erfle design, with 60 degree apparent field and low eye relief. The Japanese bought about 200,000 pounds of optical glass from Schott 1939 - 1944. External, eyepiece mounted polarizing and haze filters were usually provided, and gas charging ports are found on all models, some with internal dessicant in a silk bag. The U.S. giant binoculars used during WWII were mostly directly copied from captured Japanese models.
On 20 February, 1947, the U.S. General McArthur signed the document SCAPIN 1535, which required all export items to carry the MIOJ mark for 'Made in Occupied Japan'. (SCAP = Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers). Post-war control of Japanese exports was held by U.S. military offices until August, 1949. The MIOJ requirement was in force until SCAPIN 2061, 05 December 1949, (another source places this date at the treaty signed on 08 September, 1951, becoming effective 28 April, 1952). After one of these dates, 'Made in Japan' or 'Japan' were used. In 1952, the military occupation of Japan ended.

Provenance: FL Estate


Dimensions: Weight (Pounds & Ounces) = 0.5 | Height(in) = 4 | Width(in) = 2 | Depth(in) = 2

Size of Artwork(in): 1.5 x 3.5 x 1"


Artist Name: TOKO Japan


Medium: Nickel plated brass, leather


Circa: Circa 1950

Very good condition. Some scratches around the screw on frame. Small amount of paint loss on the focus wheel. The brown leather cas is aldo in good condition with a few scuff marks. Very well maintained.