Historical information

These binoculars appear to have been made for use by service personnel, carrying a broad arrow symbol on the barrel. The inscriptions "MG" may indicate the manufacturer or initials of the owner. The service number 48582 may indicate that the pair was owned by Lionel James O'Dempsey, a Victorian who served as a Lance Sergeant with the 3 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment during the Second World War.

Physical description

Brass binoculars with cotton cord acting as strap, fastened via a knot on one side of a small loop cast into the side of the barrel. Two cone shaped barrels with circular convex glass disc on each wide end. Each barrel joined together via a joint platform approximately halfway and 9/10ths of the way up the binoculars. Binoculars can change shape by barrels swivelling on a central pin. Binoculars also zoom in and out (i.e. barrel reduces and expands) due to grooved dial in centre of pin. One eye piece missing on left side, right side intact but able to be unscrewed. Barrels are tinted green from copper corrosion and retractable barrel sections have black colouring in parts.

Inscriptions & markings

Inscribed on centre platform between eye pieces "M G", in the direction of the wearer. On top of adjustable barrels: "[broad arrow] (right side)", "Mk VSP-/48582"