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rare, ROSS Steptron 1947, 8 x 30 binoculars, collectable, gift to Commander WWII.
Manufacturer/Model: Ross Steptron 8 X 30Field of View: 8.15 deg = 144 yd/1,000 yd; APFOV 66 degWeight: 580 grExit Pupil: 3.75 mm
This model was introduced in 1947 replacing the Stepnada 7X30 and along with the 7X50 Steplux and 9X35 Stepruva was one of Ross’ most popular models continuing to be marketed until approximately 1970 when the company ceased selling binoculars. Coated lenses.
A few years ago, I sold a very rare pair of Zeiss binoculars for over 500 that were made by Zeiss and both the Zeiss name and model logo were present but there was also the Negretti &Zumbra plate on them and during the war Negretti & Zumbra supplied scientific instruments to the Royal Navy and the family name associated with both these pairs of binoculars is Birley. I explained that in the case of the other pair of Zeiss binocular that they were only in production for a year or two before the war in to the first couple of years and that Hitler was photographed using a pair.
Birley is the surname of an Admiralty Commander called Geoffrey Harter Birley, in charge of Naval Intelligence: Naval & Marine staff. He achieved this rank on 01/02/1942. Born on 13/06/02, he had an illustrious career. He was a midshipman on HMSDauntless in 1918. . In the interwar years, he enlisted as a civilian and joined the Royal Air Force. On 30/07/24, he became a Lieutenant and in 1925 a Flying Officer in Temporal Naval &. Marine Duty then transferred back to the Royal Navy on a temporary basis in 1930. On 30/07/32 he became the Lieutenant Commander of the HMS Forester. In 1936/37, he was the Captain of theHMS Foresight; HMS Sturdy and returned as Captain of the HMS Forrester. He became a Naval Commander in 1942.
He was borne a son called Carly D Birley.
Because the binoculars were so rare and stated issued to Negretti & Zambra, I did not directly assert that they were his but thought it was likely
At the time, I did not think anything of these Ross of London binoculars as they generally do not command the price of rare Zeiss binoculars but, I believe, that there should be a registration number on these binoculars and, as there is no, hazard a guess that these were present to G.H.Birley in 1947 who then gave them to his son but I do not categorically say this is the case. You will have to make your own mind up. It is a D.Birley is the very good condition originally case which only shows minor rubbing in areas as one would expect.
Geoffrey Harter Birley went to Hong Kong by P & O ship Carthage on 30/07/1948 and returned on 22/03/1951, with his wife and child, working as a diplomat, I believe.
The binoculars are in very good order cosmetically as is the original case. All parts move as they should. I have taken photos of any sight damage. They focus extremely well. However, the lenses do need a clean.
They would be great for bird watching especially after a lens clean.
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Category: Cameras and Photography:Telescopes and Binoculars:Binoculars and Monoculars
Location: Sidmouth, Devon