Nikko 20 x 120 Military Observation Binoculars

A superb pair of WWII 20 x 120 (20 power magnification and 120 mm objective lenses) military binoculars by Nikko of Japan. This set is a more unusual design with inclined oculars rather than the more typical ‘straight through’ set up that is regularly seen in Japanese designs. The optical performance is classed as excellent in the standard reference work on binoculars by Hans Seeger. ('Militaerische Fernglaeser und Fernrohre’).
The companies of Nikko and Toko were the main manufacturers of Japanese military binoculars during WWII. It is recorded that the Japanese optical industries purchased some 200,000 pounds of optical glass from Schott in Germany through the duration of the war.

These binoculars have been stripped of their original paint, the cast aluminium polished to a mirror finish and brass components gold plated. The binocular block is 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. The binoculars come with a newly made hardwood floor stand to provide stability to the tripod and give protection to floor surfaces.

Length of binoculars: 56.5 cm/22¼ inches.