{"product_id":"wwii-big-eye-kriegsmarine-battleship-deck-mounted-binoculars-carl-zeis-jena-copy","title":"Japanese curved Naval Binoculars","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"page\" title=\"Page 33\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv title=\"Page 37\" class=\"page\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv title=\"Page 5\" class=\"page\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"65\" data-end=\"266\"\u003eAn exceptional piece of Cold War-era optical engineering, this rare and fully functional set of Japanese Type 65 naval binoculars represents the height of maritime surveillance technology in the 1980s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"268\" data-end=\"593\"\u003eCommissioned by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), the binoculars were produced in April 1984, with the optical head manufactured by Tokyo Optical Co. (TOKO \/ Topcon) and the mount supplied by Kowa Co., Ltd. This collaboration resulted in one of the most sophisticated shipboard observation systems of the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"595\" data-end=\"1072\"\u003eThe system features powerful 15×80 binoculars with a 4° field of view, designed for long-range surveillance, navigation, and target tracking at sea. The original electrical control box is still present, complete with Japanese-labelled toggle switches and a built-in variable resistor system. These controls powered the illumination of the azimuth scale and internal crosshairs, enabling accurate night-time or low-light operation—a true testament to Cold War naval engineering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1074\" data-end=\"1425\"\u003eConstructed from cast aluminium with bronze detailing on the lens housings and tilt mechanism, the binoculars and mount have been professionally restored and polished. They are paired with a heavy-duty polished aluminium Gigawave tripod, giving the ensemble a striking industrial aesthetic that balances museum-grade authenticity with visual presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1427\" data-end=\"1708\"\u003eEvery element—from the engraved JMSDF manufacturer’s plates to the carefully restored control panel—reflects the precision, craftsmanship, and durability expected of a military-grade optical device. Translations of the original Japanese labels are provided for historical accuracy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1710\" data-end=\"1932\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThis is more than just a display piece: it is a functional optical system with significant historical pedigree, making it an exceptional acquisition for collectors of vintage optics, Cold War artefacts, or naval equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Aviation Sterling","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46590817796227,"sku":"0","price":40000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0681\/2719\/5267\/files\/Vintage-naval-binoculars-Kowa-15x80208_860x_04a496d8-4fc3-4f51-8266-c6c0ee032673.jpg?v=1773069658","url":"https:\/\/aviationsterlings.com\/products\/wwii-big-eye-kriegsmarine-battleship-deck-mounted-binoculars-carl-zeis-jena-copy","provider":"Sterling Aviation","version":"1.0","type":"link"}