Ross RAF MK 4, 5x Magnification Prismatic Aircraft/ U-Boat Spotting Binoculars Binoculars

Cased, WW2 British WD RAF MK 4, 5x Magnification Prismatic Aircraft/ U-Boat Spotting Binoculars. Sn 16785 16785

This is an original and early production pair of WW2 RAF issue prismatic Airfield/ spotting binoculars. The MK 4 binoculars were built by Ross under a Royal Air Force contract and were introduced in 1941. They have excellent optics pre-adjusted to infinity for persons with normal sight. The "B" marking on right shoulder indicates that he optics are "bloomed", i.e. coated, and the marking War Dept arrow with "6E/383" is a Royal Air Force stores code for this type of instrument. They are also marked 'MK4' and serial number '8811' This is a fixed focus aircraft spotting binocular. It is reported that these instruments were used by observers in Beaufighters and other nightfighters during WW II for reconnaissance including U-boat spotting. This explains the purpose of the large rubber eyeshields which would be helpful in maintaining night vision (The rubber eyeshield should be one piece however the shield on our example has at some time in its life become detached in the centre creating 2 separate eye shields which are firmly attached to the eyepieces). For reference see the book ‘Military Binoculars & Telescopes For Land, Air & Sea Service’ by Seeger, page 214. The binoculars measure 8 ¾” height including eyeshields x 7” width. The binoculars are complete with their original webbing neck strap and lined RAF blue case. The lined hardboard case has a hinged lid and webbing straps. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 16785

£275