The Fairey Family 10 x 80 Binoculars

A superb 10 x 80 (10 power magnification and 80 mm objective lenses) double telescope binocular by Emil Busch of Germany with 45° inclined oculars and integral filters. Bought at the Bossington Estate sale, these binoculars belonged to the Fairey family having been most likely acquired at the end of WWII. They would be the perfect device for spotting aircraft or yachts.

This model of binocular was originally designed by Busch in 1935, adopted by the military in 1936 and went into production with various modifications and manufacturers.

The rugged construction made the model suitable for both day and night time observation and the direction of fire from artillery and flak stations. The binocular block is stamped with the manufacturer’s identification code (cxn) indicating the maker (from 1940 the origin of German military equipment was intended to be obscured from the enemy by the use of these government-issued, three-letter codes).

The binoculars have been stripped of their original paint, the cast aluminium polished to a mirror finish and then mounted on a custom made cradle fitted to a period height adjustable wooden tripod stand. The optics have been fully refurbished to the highest standards. These binoculars come with a newly made wooden floor stand to provide stability to the tripod and give protection to floor surfaces.

Dimensions: 37 cm/14½ inches (length of binocular).

About the Fairey Family

Richard Fairey (Sir Charles Richard Fairey MBE), founder of The Fairey Aviation Company Limited, the famous English aircraft manufacturer, bought Bossington Estate in 1937. He bought it as a sporting estate, to indulge his love of fly fishing and shooting.

Across the valley Tommy Sopwith owned the neighbouring estate, Compton. The two aviation tycoons, Fairey and Sopwith, were good friends, and when they wanted to relax, they raced their J-class yachts, in the Solent.