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TOR Lumion Japanese Miniature Binoculars, dating from Between the WorldWars. Very Unusual Green Color. TOR Lumion Japanische Miniaturferngläser, aus der Zeit Zwischen den Weltkriegen. TOR Lumion Binioculaires Japonaises Miniatures, d'entre-deux-Guerres. Couleur Verte très Inhabituelle. TOR Lumion Японский миниатюрный бинокуляр, от между мировыми войнами. Очень необычный зеленый цвет. TOR Lumion 世界の戦争から日本のミニチュア双眼鏡。非常に珍しい緑色。 TOR Lumion Japanska Miniatyrbiniokulär, Från Mellan Världskriget. Mycket Ovanlig grön färg. TOR Lumion Binioculares en Miniatura Japoneses, de Entre las Guerras Mundiales. Color Verde muy Inusual. TOR Lumion Binioculars Miniatura Giapponese, tra le due Guerre Mondiali. Colore Verde Molto Insolito

TOR Lumion binoculars serial number 2006. Made prior to WWII. Very unusual original green painted finish Collection of Mark Ohno

I calculate that I have physically handled around 1,200 Japanese miniature binoculars and have viewed photos of another 30,000 or more. These are the first green painted Japanese miniature prismatic binoculars I’ve ever seen (I do have a green anodized post war pair), so they are a distinct oddity. It is not that the Japanese binoculars industry never painted optical products green. I own and have also seen lots of large Japanese WWII and pre WWII non hand held military binoculars that were painted green. (both large ship’s binoculars and trench periscope binoculars). But consumer marketing is all about catering to expectations. And I think (speculation) that prior to the explosion of green rubber armored binoculars in the 1970’s (copied from military models of around that time period and initiating a proliferation of all sorts of colors on binoculars) and even more so prior to WWII consumer and distribution expectations were that serious (and generally quite expensive) prismatic binoculars would be black. The more frivolous and much cheaper non prismatic opera glasses were acceptable in any color, and were often marketed to women with a conscious aspect of being seen using them where pose/ style/ appearance were more important than optical performance (most Galilean opera glasses have minimal optical performance) Years ago I used to go to stage plays. I sometimes saw people with opera glasses, which was considered a normal practice. Instead I brought along large high powered binoculars (definitely not considered conventional behavior). If the play was dull it opened up all sorts of new and entertaining aspects to the performance. The actors smiles and expressions as seen by eye or through opera glass when seen up close through high power binoculars were closer to strange contorted grimaces, and the stage lights made big drops of sweat roll down the actors faces and you could watch to see if they flicked them away by some movement. The reality that the binoculars revealed was very different from the calculated projections you were supposed to perceive at a distance. The 6-10 power magnification of miniature binoculars provide the same magnification of full size binoculars with the unobtrusive appearance of using small opera glasses. Lack of marketing materials for Japanese miniature binoculars in the interwar years precludes much analysis of the intended consumers (the 1940’s Oppelman catalog has them in with guns so male oriented). But we know by the ads and case designs that the marketing of the Fata Morgana binoculars in the 1920’s included expectations that a significant part of their market would be female. And the fact that sales outlets included jewelry reinforces that idea. Women have traditionally been saddled with imposed social expectations of propriety. For example the proliferation of large bottles of alcoholic patent medicines in the USA from the 1880’s through WWI marketed for woman’s troubles was actually a socially acceptable way for woman to drink liquor. l excavated some turn of the century dumps and the amount of liquor consumed for “woman’s troubles” was pretty impressive. In the 1930’s if a woman going to a stage play wanted to look at the wrinkles or sweat on actors faces or color of their eyes or the lipstick on their teeth then hauling out big binoculars would have gotten much odder looks than I ever got in the 1970’s, but these green pre war miniature binoculars would have seemed like another pair of innocuous socially mundane opera glasses.

Evolution of Asahi Optical/Pentax miniature Binoculars Markings . Entwicklung der Asahi Optical/Pentax-Miniatur-Fernglasmarkierungen. Evolution des Marques de Jumelles Miniatures Asahi Optical/Pentax. Эволюция маркировки миниатюрных биноклей Asahi Optical/Pentax. Asahi Optical/Pentax ミニチュア双眼鏡のマーキングの進化。 Utveckling av Asahi Optical/Pentax Miniatyrkikare Markeringar.Evolución de las Asahi Optical/Pentax Marcas de Prismaticos en Miniatura. Evoluzione di Asahi Optical/Pentax Miniature Binoculars Markings .

Occupied Japan Asahi “ AOCo ” logo marked binoculars (ca 1950-1952)

Unknown importer C.E.Z contract Asahi binoculars. “ AOCo ”logo plus “ C.E.Z ” marked

Sears US importer retail chain contract Asahi binoculars. “ AOCo ” logo plus “ Tower ” marked

Bushnell US importer/ distributor contract Asahi binoculars. “ AOCo ” logo plus “ Bushnell ” marked

Asahi Pentax binoculars from transition to Pentax markings. “ AOCo ”logo plus “ Asahi Pentax ” marked.

US exclusive importer Honeywell Asahi binoculars. “ Honeywell Pentax ” plus “ Asahi Optical ” marked

US exclusive importer Heiland Asahi binoculars. “Heiland Pentax ” plus “ Asahi Optical ” marked. (Heiland was parent co of Honeywell).

ALPS K.S.S. Pre-War Japanese Miniature Binoculars. „ALPS K.S.S.“ M iniaturferngläser sind vor dem Zweiten Weltkrieg in Japan. Jumelles Miniatures de « ALPS K.S.S. » Fabriquées Avant la Deuxieme Grande Guerre Mondiale « ALPS K.S.S. ». миниатюрные бинокль выпуска до второй ировой войны в Японии ALPS K.S.S. 」ミニチュア双眼鏡が２回目の世界大戦の前に日本で作られます « ALPS K.S.S. » Prismáticos en Miniatura Fabricados Antes de la Segunda Guerra Mundial en Japón. « ALPS K.S.S. » Binocolo Giaponese

ALPS K.S.S. 6x15 Binoculars, with Case, serial number 2304. Manufactured prior to WWII in Japan. Collection of Mark Ohno

An Asian Importer’s Gift of Miniature Binoculars. Geschenk Eines Asiatischen Importeurs von Miniaturferngläsern. Jumelles Miniatures offertes par un Importateur Asiatique. Подарок миниатюрного бинокля азиатского импортера. アジアの輸入業者からのミニチュア双眼鏡の贈り物 En Asiatisk Importörs Present av Minikikare.Un Regalo de un Importador Asiático de Binoculares en Miniature.Il Regalo di un Importatore Asiatico di Binocoli in Miniature.

These Zuio OIC 6x15 binoculars were presumably given by the Texas Asiatic Import Company as a gift to volume customers or distributors of the surveying equipment (transits) that they imported from Japan. The Texas Asiatic Import Company was frequently listed in trade directories from at least 1957-1966, and was located at 2127 Fort Worth Ave, Dallas 11, Texas USA at that time.

UK market Asahi Pentax binocularsfrom transition to Pentax markings. “AOCo ” logo plus “ Asahi Pentax ” marked.

Thoughts and Data on Nippon Kogaku Mikron 5x15, 6x, 6x15 & 7x15 Binocular Serial Numbers. Gedanken und Daten zu den Seriennummern von Nippon Kogaku Mikron. Réflexions et données sur les numéros de série Nippon Kogaku Mikron. Мысли и данные о Nippon Kogaku Микрон Серийные номера. 日本化学ミクロミクロン通し番号についての考えとデータ Gedachten en Gegevens Over Nippon Kogaku Mikron Serienummers. Reflexiones y Datos Sobre los Números de Serie de Nippon Kogaku Mikron. Pensieri e Dati sui Numeri di Serie di Nippon Kogaku Mikron.

Even within the modest holdings this collection of 25 or so these Nippon Kogaku/ Nikon 5x15, 6x15, and 7x15 miniature binoculars in various models and variations, there are odd serial number overlaps or incongruities that suggest using a system of serial number sequential progression assignment within a model run.

Archetypal Nippon Kogaku 1960’s Mikron Binoculars Archetypal Nippon Kogaku 1960’s Mikron Fernglässer. Jumelles Mikron des Annèes 1960 de Nippon Kogaku. Архетипических Nippon Kogaku 1960 году Микрон Бинокль. 原型日本光学 1960 年代のミクロン双眼鏡. Arketypisk Nippon Kogaku 1960 Mikron Kikare. Archetypische Nippon Kogaku 1960 Mikron Verrekijkers. Binoculares Arquetipo Nippon Kogaku 1960’s Mikron. Archetypal Nippon Kogaku 1960’s Binocolo Mikron.

Nippon Kogaku KK 7x15 CF binoculars in Nikon branded box that followed the 1950’s Nippon Kogaku branded boxes. These had plastic eyepieces, represented the shift to lightweight aluminum, and a distinctive JE44 frame marking (frame by sub contractor Iikura Optical Works (Iikura Kogaku Seisakujo Inc.) ( 飯倉光学製作所 ) as well as the Nippon Kogaku JB7 manufacturers code on the front of prism cover, which is an uncommon location for that. The serial number is written on the bottom of the box.

Collection of Mark Ohno

These binoculars were purchase from “The Quarry Inc”, a Pharmacy and Photo supply co in the college town of Ann Arbor Michigan USA for $59.50

OCCUPIED JAPAN MARKED

Pre-1953 (ca1948-1953)

SERIAL NUMBERS ( 6x marked)

901,344 ( 6x ,IF,ME) no º marking

2,091,187 ( 6x ,IF, ME) no º marking

5,035,022 ( 6x ,IF, ME) no º marking

5,040,533 ( 6x ,IF, ME) no º marking

5,041,822 ( 6x ,IF, ME) no º marking

POST OCCUPIED JAPAN

Post 1953

SERIAL NUMBERS ( 6x and 6x15 marked)

433,595 ( 6x15 CF, PE) 8.3 º

644,286 ( 6x IF, ME) no º marking

657,945 ( 6x15 IF, ME ) 8.3 º

664,113 ( 6x15 IF) 8.3 º

665,548 ( 6x15 IF) 8.3 º

90,110,347 ( 6x , IF, ME, “ Coated ”) no º marking

POST OCCUPIED JAPAN

Post 1953

SERIAL NUMBERS ( 7x15 ) marked

134,324 ( 7x15, JB7 on prism cover, CF) 8 º

302,956 ( 7x15, JB7 on prism cover, CF, PE) 8 º

327,916 ( 7x15, CF) 8 º

POST OCCUPIED JAPAN

Post 1953

SERIAL NUMBERS ( 5x15 marked)

104,492 ( 5X15 CF) 9.5 º

109,952 ( 5X15 CF) 9.5 º

120,352 ( 5x15, JB7 on prism cover, CF) 9.5 º

212,826 5x15, JB7 on prism cover, CF) 9.5 º

These particular binoculars came in a Nikon Branded box, but with a Nippon Kogaku logo branded leather zip case, and the binoculars are both Nippon Kogaku marked and Nikon marked, but the traditional “Mikron” model name does not appear on anything.

Nippon Kogaku KK 5x15 CF binoculars in Nikon branded box that followed the 1950’s Nippon Kogaku branded boxes. These had plastic eyepieces, represented the shift to lightweight aluminum, and a distinctive JE44 frame marking (frame by sub contractor Iikura Optical Works (Iikura Kogaku Seisakujo Inc.) ( 飯倉光学製作所 ) as well as the Nippon Kogaku JB7 manufacturers code on the front of prism cover, which is an uncommon location for that. The serial number is written on the bottom of the box. The leather zip case is Nikon branded.

YEAR 2000 MARKED MODEL LTD EDITION

SERIAL NUMBERS ( 7x15, MIKRON 2000 ) marked

AJ 505906 ( 7x15 ) 8 º (Champagne color)

1997 MIKRON 6x15 COMMEMORATIVE

SERIAL NUMBERS ( 7x15, SINCE 1917 ) marked

AJ 114469 ( 6x15 ) 8 º (black & silver)

1998 MIKRON 7x15 COMMEMORATIVE

SERIAL NUMBERS ( 7x15, SINCE 1917 ) marked

AJ 520276 ( 6x15 ) 7 º (black & silver)

Dating Japanese Miniature Binoculars by Their Charateristics. Datierung von Japanischen Miniaturferngläsern nach Ihren Eigenschaften. Jumelles Miniatures Japonaises Datant par Leurs Caractéristiques. Датировка японского миниатюрного бинокля по характеристикам. その特性による日本の小型双眼鏡の年代測定. Japanse Miniatuurverrekijker Dateren op Basis van Hun Kenmerken. Citas Binoculares Miniatura Japoneses por sus Características. Incontri Binocolo in Miniatura Giapponese per le loro Caratteristiche

All Gloss Black, Center Focus, Silk Screen Markings: probable 1970’s & later; impossible 1950’s & earlier, VERY unlikely early 1960s

All Non Glossy Black or Textured Black, Independent Focus, No JB or Japan Marking, Markings Often Indistinct, Unfamiliar Brands: probable pre WWII, improbable post WWII, highly improbable mid1950’s & later.

Center Focus/CF: probable mid 1960s & later; possible 1950’s depending on brand (Nippon Kogaku, Crystal, Ofuna)

Independent Focus: more common mid 1960s and earlier in US market, possible at any time in any market

“Japan” marking: probable 1954 on, highly improbable earlier

Larger Wide Angle reverse poro models such as 6x25, 7x23, 7x25, 8x25, 10x30, 10x40, 12x40, 12x50, 15x50: probable mid 1960’s & later; impossible 1950’s & earlier, present in all markets but substantially more popular in UK/Europe than US for all but the 6x25 model.

Mostly Non Glossy Black or Textured Black but With Some Chrome Accent on Pivot or Ocular Ring, Independent Focus: probable 1950’s , impossible pre WWII, improbable mid 1960’s & later, often RKK or AOCo

Occupied Japan Marked: probable 1949-1953, highly improbable 1948; theoretically possible but actually impossible 1945-1947; impossible 1954 & later or pre 1945. Based both on Scapin mandates, but also when production actually existed.

Rubber Eyepiece Inset as Ring: probable late 1960s & later; impossible 1950’s & earlier

Rubber Eyepiece Standing or Foldable: probable mid 1960s & later; impossible 1950’s & earlier

Textured black on Objective barrels, Larger & Wide Angle, Milled Look on CF wheel and or Ocular Rings: probable late 1960s & later, impossible 1950’s & earlier. Was cosmetically fashionable on binoculars in the 1970’s.

Silk Screen Markings Rather Than Engraved Markings: probable 1970’s & later; impossible 1950’s &earlier, unlikely early 1960s

I suspect that I have owned and examined more different miniature pattern reverse poro prism binoculars and spent more time researching them than any other person. I get asked “so can’t you roughly date them just by looking at them”? Well...sort of. Keeping in mind the horrors of generalizations, one can sometimes look and draw some conclusions about age as a matter of probability . Here are my secrets, which are really just a product of owning too many and spending too much time on miniature Japanese binoculars. Keep in mind that these tips apply ONLY to miniature pattern reverse poro prism Japanese binoculars, and are intended as guide rather than gospel.

Diana Pre-War Japanese Miniature Binoculars. „Diana“ M iniaturferngläser sind vor dem Zweiten Weltkrieg in Japan. Jumelles Miniatures de «Diana» Fabriquées Avant la Deuxieme Grande Guerre Mondiale. «Diana» миниатюрные бинокль выпуска до второй ировой войны в Японии Diana. Diana ミニチュア双眼鏡が２回目の世界大戦の前に日本で作られます «Diana» Prismáticos en Miniatura abricados Antes de la Segunda Guerra Mundial en Japón. «Diana» Binocolo Giaponese in Miniatura Pre-Guerra.

Pre war Japanese Diana 6x17 IF binoculars marked as a promotional item for the Spanish company UEE/ Uni ó n Esp ãnola de Expl ós ivos Sociedad An ó nima. This major company made explosives, munitions, detonators, and fertilizers. The leather case os marked UEE. Collection of Mark Ohno, acquired from the UK.

MCF & MIF and Similar Markings. MCF MIF und ähnliche Fernglas Markierungen. MCF MIF et Inscriptions Semblables. MCF и MIF и аналогичные обозначения.

MCF y MIF y Marcado Similarilar. MCF e MIF e Marcature Simili.

Among the markings that can be confusing, one often finds “MCF” and “MIF” associated with these types of miniature binoculars, and DCF,ZCF, BCF, BWCF, and UCF associated with other types of binoculars and boxes. These [non scientific] designations and derivations have entered common use over time to designate the type of binocular construction and the type of focus mechanism, and are related to associating a design or configuration with a manufacturer or precedent model.

FMC: F ully M ulti C oated: all lens surfaces are multi coated

MC: M ulti C oated lenses

MCF: M type porro prism design with C enter F ocus (“M” type is Nippon Kogaku/ Nikon “Mikron” type, also sometimes called Micron type). Now sometimes interpreted as “Mini center focus and applied to any compact porro prism binoculars configuration where the objective lenses are closer together than the ocular lenses.

MIF: M type porro prism design with I ndependent F ocus (“M” type is Nippon Kogaku/ Nikon “Mikron” type, also called Micron type) Above comments apply, but independent focus.

DCF: “ D ach” or German type roof prism design with C enter F ocus

ZCF: “ Z eiss” German type construction with separate objective tubes & prism housings with C enter F ocus

BCF or BWCF: “ B ausch & Lomb” or American type configuration with one piece objective tubes/ prism housings, C enter F ocus

UCF: Dual Axis porro prism design

POSTWAR

PREWAR

POSTWAR

PREWAR

Thoughts About an Original Minature Binocular Purchase 58 Years Ago ! Gedanken über einen originalen Miniatur-Fernglaskauf vor 58 Jahren! Réflexions sur un achat original de jumelles miniatures il y a 58 ans! Мысли об оригинальной покупке миниатюрного бинокля 58 лет назад! 58 年前のオリジナルの双眼鏡の購入についての考え！ Pensamientos sobre una compra original de binoculares en miniatura ¡hace 58 años! Pensieri su un originale binocolo in miniatura acquistato 58 anni fa!

In collecting information about these miniature pattern binoculars, it is a rare treat to obtain any direct provenance (such as a dated purchase receipt, or owners name or address written on a case). These offer glimpses and insights into the human aspects of their background and role. After all, these were generally purchased 45 to 70 years ago, and were priced such that purchasers were seldom young. So it was a unique fun opportunity to be contacted by Frank Cunningham to obtain his Cornell 7x25 binoculars along with their background history. Frank purchased these Japanese miniature pattern binoculars as a special 1962 Christmas gift for his father, and even 58 years later he remembers them as having been a carefully selected, uncommon, and expensive gift. And that is exactly what they were. I can personally remember looking at these type miniature binoculars in the New York camera and electronics store windows around 54 years ago, and remember them being special, but being too expensive for me, or for talking my parents into getting me. (And I grew up with ordinary binoculars and good cameras always being around the house). Frank bought these binoculars in Ogden Utah, Utah (USA). That particular 1962 Christmas was the first Christmas after he got his first good job. In what is a familiar right of passage for many people, after getting established in the job market, he sought out special gifts for his mother and for his father.

In 1962, 7x25 binoculars were being advertised as being something special that was small enough to fit in a coat pocket to easily bring with you, and with high magnification, but with such a wide angle view that you could see much of the football field at a game.

BINOCULARS RESEARCH WEBSITE, NOT FOR PROFIT

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MARK OHNO ミニチュア双眼鏡 миниатюрные бинокли