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BINOCULARS RESEARCH WEBSITE, NOT FOR PROFIT FERNGLAS-FORSCHUNGS-WEBSITE, NICHT GEWINNORIENTIERT SITE DE RECHERCHE SUR LES JUMELLES, À BUT NON LUCRATIF |
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Japanese External Reverse Porro Prism Binoculars. WEBSITE MUSEUM |
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BIG & SMALL #1 binoculars |
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Big and Small: Binolux |
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“Binolux” was a trade marked brand of U.S. distributor Compass Instrument and Optical Co. Inc. from 1954. My smaller Binolux m-60 10x20 binoculars and by “ K ” logo were manufactured by Omori Sogo Kogaku. My larger Binolux 7x35 binoculars are manufacturer unknown. |
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Big and Small: Mercury binoculars |
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“Mercury” was a trademarked brand of U.S. importer/ distributor Jake Levin & Son used from 1964, then with Jason Empire Inc, then Bushnell Inc. My smaller Mercury 12x20 binoculars are probably manufactured by Tochihara). My larger 7x35 Mercury model 1111 binoculars were assembled by JB250/ Fujimori Optical Co, Ltd. of Japan |
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Colorado regional Sporting Goods chain and mail order business Dave Cook Sporting Goods Co. Inc. (est 1936) was observed to have advertised their non trade marked “ Dacote ” brand name on binoculars from at least 1952-1976. Based on various indicators (both independent focus; both with no JB or JE mfgr code markings; both prominently marked “made in Japan”: I date both of these after Apr. 28 1952 and before Nov. 1959 when JB codes were imposed. Manufacturers unknown. |
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Big and Small: Prestige binoculars |
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Big and Small: Manon binoculars |
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“Manon ” and “Shrine” were trade marked brands of Japanese exporter Miura Shoji K.K., dba Miura Trading Co. Ltd. from 1952. My smaller 7x18 Manon binoculars are unmarked as to assembling manufacturer, but the frame was made by JE7/ Nippon Kogaku K.K of Japan . My larger 7x35 Manon binoculars binoculars were assembled by JB119/ Nisshin Kogaku K.K. of Japan, and the frame/body was made by JE10/ Toko Seiki K.K of Japan, and the EP ( export only taxation marking) dates these to the 1950’s. The N.O.C logo (exporter?) logo is unfamiliar to me. |
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Big and Small: Bushnell binoculars |
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U.S. importer and distributor David Bushnell imported Japanese contracted Bushnell brand binoculars into the U.S. starting in 1948. My smaller 7x15 Bushnell binoculars were made for Bushnell by AOCo / (Asahi Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushiki-geisha ), ( 旭光学工業株式会社 ) of Japan and post date the US occupation period but predate JB codes, so 1951-Nov 1959. My larger 7x35 binoculars were assembled in 1963 by JB138/ Toyo Jitsugo K.K. of Japan, with the frame/body made by JE4 / Toei Kogaku K.K. of Japan. These are also marked BOL (indicating inspection by Bushnell Optical Lab) |
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Sears sold various like binoculars, photo equipment, electric fans etc. under the “Tower” brand since at least 1949: mostly not trade marked specifically (though Tower was a trade mark of Sears photo finishing). The Tower brand was named after Sears Tower in Chicago, the world’s tallest building for 24 years. |
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My smaller (Sears) Tower 6x15 binoculars were made by AoCo (Asahi Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushiki-geisha), ( 旭光学工業株式会社 ) of Japan, and these predate JB coding. My larger (Sears) Tower 7x50 binoculars were assembled by mfgr JB97 Soneda Kogaku Kenkujo Inc. of Japan, with frame/body by JE38 Nakabishi Kogaku Inc. of Japan. |
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Big and Small: Swift binoculars |
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U.S. importer Swift Instruments and it’s predecessor Swift and Anderson began importing European binoculars around 1924, and after WWII ended they imported Japanese binoculars and scopes under their “Swift” brand and trade marked Swift in cross hairs logo. My smaller Swift brand model 730 7x18 binoculars were assembled by JB001/ Toa Optical Co., Ltd. (Toa Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushiki-geisha )( 東亜光学株式会社 ) of Japan. My larger Swift brand model 761 8x42 binoculars were assembled by JB56/ Hiyoshi Kogaku Co. Ltd. of Japan. |
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Big and Small: Omega binoculars |
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Big and Small: Atco binoculars |
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Big and Small: AOCo Jupiter binoculars |
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Big and Small: Tasco binoculars |
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Big and Small: Scope binoculars |
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Big and Small: Sears binoculars |
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Big and Small: Telesar binoculars |
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Big and Small: SunScope binoculars |
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My AOCo Jupiter model binoculars were made by AOCo. Asahi Optical Co. Ltd. (Asahi Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushiki-geisha ), ( 旭光学工業株式会社 ) of Japan. My smaller 6x15 AOCo Jupiter Jr . model was made during the part of the occupation period when Asahi binoculars were imported to the US around 1948 to 1952, and is marked “ OCCUPIED JAPAN ”. My larger AOCo Jupiter model was made post occupation and pre JB code requirement, so date 1952 to Nov. 1959. |
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Tasco was a trade marked brand of Tasco Sales (USA) from 1966 and then subsequently of Bushnell, with use from 1961 or earlier. My smaller Tasco brand model 503 8x20 binoculars were assembled by JB231/ Tochihara Optical Co ( 栃原光学株式会社). My larger yellow rubber Tasco brand model 222YRZ binoculars were made in Hong Kong , so probably are relatively recent. |
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Scope is believed a non trade marked brand of the Berkey Marketing division of Berkey Photo. My smaller Scope brand model 7x18 binoculars were assembled by Omori Sogo Kōgaku Kōgyō Ltd.( 大森総合光学工業 ) as indicated by their “ K ’ logo and “ PLUM ” marking, and seem to be pre JB code so pre date Nov. 1959. My larger Scope brand model 7x50 binoculars were assembled by JB153/ Kitano Koki Seisakujo K.K. and the body were made by JE36/ Jiyama Seiko Co. |
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HY-SCORE was the trade marked brand of S.E. Laszlo 1969-1992 with claimed first use 1960. My smaller 6x15 HY-SCORE model 376 binoculars were assembled by JB93/ Siewa Optical Co. Ltd. (Seiwa Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushiki-geisha ) ( 清和光学株式会社 ) of Japan, and also have the TJK in diamond mark of exporter Toyo Jitsugo Kogaku K.K. (Oriental Trading Co) of Japan. My larger Hy Score brand model 397 7x50 binoculars were assembled by JB147/ Sankaku Kogaku Kogyo Co Ltd of Japan. with frame/ body made by JEF33/ Teito Koki Co Ltd. of Japan. |
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Omega was a trade marked brand of Simmon Omega Inc. from 6/12/1964 with use starting in 1937, subsequently owned by Berkey Photo Inc. NYC (USA)Both binoculars are independent focus; both have no JB codes, and I have observed Omega binoculars advertised 1955-1969, so I believe these two binoculars predate JB codes and are from around 1952 to Nov.1959. |
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Atco was a trade marked brand of American Thermoware Co from 1954 to 1996 (first use in 1924). My smaller Atco 7x18 binoculars were assembled by JB47/ Tokuhiro Micro Binocular Co: (Tokuhiro Koki Seisakusho Inc)( 徳弘光機製作所株式会社 ). of Japan. My larger Atco Diamond Line 7x35 binoculars do not have a JB code but by characteristics (“fully coated, colored markings, featherweight, magnesium”, CF) I’d guess post JB code 1970’s or 1980’s. |
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I have never found documentation defining the background of Apollon brand use on binoculars (no trademarks/ advertising/ trade listings). Apollon may be a 1950’s US importer or Japanese exporter brand. Neither of mine have JB codes and appear to predate the Nov. 1959 JB code requirement based on having earlier type markings, independent focus, non colored markings, black ocular barrels on 6x15 example, and basic “coated lens” marking. |
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Telesar is believed a non trade marked brand of Masel Supply Co. NYC, also distributed by Ashreh Supply Co NYC . My smaller Telesar brand 10x20 binoculars were assembled by JB93/ Siewa Optical Co. Ltd. (Seiwa Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushiki-geisha ) ( 清和光学株式会社 ) and the frame made by JE50/ Tanaka Koki Seisakujo. My larger Telesar brand 7x50 binoculars were assembled by JB81/ Takahisi Kogaku Kogyo Co. Ltd. and the and the frame/body was made by JE54/ Suzuki Kogaku Seiki Co. Ltd. |
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My smaller Apollon 6x15 ahve a small FUJI with the binoculars characteristics of being an exporter mark, possibly of Fuji Photo Film Co. |
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Big and Small: Simor binoculars |
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Simor was a trade marked brand of Hadenroy Ltd, London UK from 1963-1998. My smaller Simor brand 7x18 binoculars were assembled by JB93/ Siewa Optical Co. Ltd. (Seiwa Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushiki-geisha ) ( 清和光学株式会社 ) of Japan, with frame/ body by JE50/ Tanaka Koki Seisakujo of Japanand have a TJK in diamond mark of exporter Toyo Jitsugo Kogaku K.K. (Oriental Trading Co) of Japan . My larger Simor brand 8x30 binoculars were assembled by JB49/ Sankyo Kogaku Kogyo Co. Ltd. of Japan with body made by JE38/ Nakabishi Kogaku Inc.of Japan. |
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Sears Roebuck held the Sears brand trademark for binoculars 1960-2003. My smaller Sears brand 7x15 binoculars were assembled by JB93/ Siewa Optical Co. Ltd. (Seiwa Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushiki-geisha ) ( 清和光学株式会社 ) of Japan, and the frame was made by JE50/ Tanaka Koki Seisakujoof Japan. My larger Sears brand 10x50 binoculars were assembled by JB81/ Copitar Co. Ltd. of Japan, and the frame/body was made by JE36/ Jiyama Seiko Co. . of Japan. |
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Sunscope binoculars boxes were marked Sun Scope Optical Co. Los Angeles Ca. (USA) and a 1957 ad lists this company, which was presumably an importer/distributor. My smaller SunScope brand 7x18 binoculars were assembled by JB231/ Tochihara Optical Co ( 栃原光学株式会社) of Japan. My larger SunScope brand 7x50 binoculars have no JB code, which probably dates them torward the end of that practice (perhaps 1970’s/1980’s) but do carry the code for body manufacturer JE40/ Mitsu Koki Ltd of Japan. |
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Big and Small: Jana Deluxe binoculars |
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Big and Small: Lichter KOC binoculars |
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Jana Deluxe is believed a trade name of Jana Enterprises/ Leah Jana Enterprises of Brooklyn NY USA (1975-1992). My smaller Jana Deluxe 8x20 binoculars were assembled by JB47/ Tokuhiro Micro Binocular Co: (Tokuhiro Koki Seisakusho Inc)( 徳弘光機製作所株式会社 ) of Japan . My larger Jana Deluxe 7x35 binoculars were assembled by JB78/ Kuribayashi Kogaku Seisakuj of Japan, with body by JE4/ Toei Kogaku Co. Ltd. of Japan. Both binoculars carry the “ triple tested ” marketing nonsense made up by David Bushnell, then subsequently copied by many other binocular distributors as an image of quality. |
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Lichter was supposedly a trade marked (Japanese TM?) brand of Kuroki Optical Instrument Co. (KOIC) according to a 1960’s optical book, and the company was previously known as Kuroki Optical Co. (KOC) and as Kuroki Kogaku Kogyo Co. Ltd. My larger Lichter K.O.C. 8x30 binoculars and case are marked “ MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN ” they date during the US occupied Japan binoculars import period 1948-1952. My smaller Lichter K.O.C. 7x18 binoculars were made post occupation and pre JB code requirement, so date 1952 to Nov. 1959. |
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Big and Small: SPI ® Southerner binoculars |
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“Southerner” was a brand of U.S. distributor Optex/ SPI /Southern Precision Instruments. My smaller SPI Southerner 7x18 binoculars were manufactured by TOA Kogaku KK 東亜光学株式会社 of Japan and are so marked. My larger SPI Southerner 8x25 binoculars are unmarked. Both binoculars probably predate Nov. 1959 when JB codes were mandated. |
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“Prestige” was the trade marked brand of Astra Trading Co of New York USA, used since 1954. My smaller Prestige binoculars were assembled by TOA Kogaku K.K.(Toa Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushiki-geisha )( 東亜光学株式会社 ) of Japan . The “ Z ” mark on my larger 7x50 Prestige binoculars indicates being made by the manufacturer Zuiho Kogaku Seiki KK of Japan, and associated export trading co. Zuiho Optical Co Ltd. of Japan. |
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Big and Small: Tower binoculars |
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Big and Small: HY-SCORE Thorobred binoculars |
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Big and Small: Apollon binoculars |
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Big and Small: Pamex binoculars |
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I have never found documentation defining the background of Pamex brand use on binoculars My smaller Pamex 6x15 binoculars were assembled by JB5/ Meiji Seiko Co. Ltd./ 明治精工株式会社 of Japan and carry the MSC logo, with frame by JE7/ Oji Kogaku Kikai Co. Ltd. of Japan. My larger 7x50 Pamex binoculars post date the US occupation period, but predate JB codes, so date 1952-Nov. 1959. |
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Big and Small: Vega binoculars |
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Vega was a brand of US importer Swift and Anderson/prior to 1959. My smaller & 6x15 Vega model 709 binoculars post date the US occupation period, but likely predate JB codes, so date 1952-Nov. 1959. They were assembled by MSK/ Meiji Seiko Kogaku Ltd. 明治精工株式会社 of Japan. My larger & 7x50 Vega model 788 binoculars post date the US occupation period, but likely predate JB codes, so date 1952 to Nov. 1959. They have an exporter type mark of HOC / Hiyoshi Optical Co of Japan. |
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Yamatar binoculars were probably a product of exporter Yamatar Optical Industrial Co Ltd. My smaller Yamatar 6x15 binoculars were assembled by JB93/ Siewa Optical Co. Ltd. (Seiwa Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushiki-geisha ) ( 清和光学株式会社 ) of Japan, with frame by JE64/ Kobayashi Kogaku Scisakitjo. Inc. of Japan. M y smaller Yamatar 7x18 binoculars were assembled by JB69/ Akebono Optical Co., Ltd. (Akebono Kōgyō Seisakujo) ( 曙光学工業 ) of Japan. My Yamatar 10x40 binoculars probably predate JB codes but are marked with the “ K ” logo ofOmori Sogo Kogaku. My next larger Yamatar 7x50 binoculars were assembled by JB133/ Kamakura Koki Co. Ltd. Of Japan. With the same size body my largest power Yamatar 10x50 binoculars were assembled by JB77/ Koronbia Kogaku Ltd/ Columbia Kogaku Co.of Japan, and the frame/body was made by JE4/ Toei Kogaku Co. Ltd. of Japan, and they carry an exporter mark of “ COC ” in diamond, which is probably Carton Optical Industries Ltd. of Japan. |
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Big and Small: Yamatar binoculars |
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Big and Small: Dacote binoculars |
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Big and Small: Swallow binoculars |
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Swallow with bird design was a registered UK trademark of J.J. Vickers Ltd of the UK 1966-2021, with previous use. My smaller Swallow 8x20 binoculars were assembled by JB47/ Tokuhiro Micro Binocular Co: (Tokuhiro Koki Seisakusho Inc)( 徳弘光機製作所株式会社 ) of Japan . My larger Swallow 20x50 binoculars and post date the US occupation period but predate JB codes, so 1951-Nov 1959. |
