Seeking info on WWII ship Binocular/Telescope

I have a pair of binoculars that came from a US WWII ship possibly named the USS Tartar. Manufactured by Bausch & lomb, they are solid metal, seems like cast iron, and are very heavy. They have a marking of:
US NAVY-BU. OF ORD
MARK 91 MOD. 0
WT. 40 SER. NO 212
BAUSCH & LOMB OPTICAL CO.

They also have another series of numbers on all the different parts of the binoculars. The numbers are set up like this: 41549#- _-1
One tube of the scope has a 2 in place of the second # symbol and the other tube has a 3 in the same place. The underscore _ is representing a raised box or square. All the numbers and symbols are raised and like they were put there by the forge that formed the tube. They have lens guards for the front lenses that are aluminum and have a flip piece in the front of the cap. Rubber eye guards.

Any information about these binoc's, their value, or where I may be able to find out about them would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Don
Larenegade
larenegade@comcast.net

Hi Don

These will have a value principally for a collector, since optical technology has come a long way since then in terms of coatings and other features. It appears to be a submarine binocular. I found one listed on E-bay at http://cgi.ebay.com/WWII-BAUSCH-LOMB-MA ... dZViewItem selling for $4000

I have one of these binoculars you're talking about. The only thing missing is the rubber eye guard. There was a set on ebay recently. He was asking 1800 but when I saw it the highest bid was 250. He claimes they were for submarines, but my set came off LSD-14. I think they were the Big Eyes binoculars of the WWII era. Mine aren't for sale at any price. (Souvenir from my Navy years.)

The Mk-91 and Mk-93 were left up in the sail of the the submarine all the time. We used to pressure test them to about 300 ft. They sat on top of a TBT (Target Bearing Transmitter) that directly sent the direction the binocular was pointing down to the control room to be fed to the fire control computer (old days, all gears). There were two models, one was 7x the other was a 6x. They are NOT what was refered to as "big eyes", which were 20x120mm.

Forgot to add, it would have been not the Tarter, but the USS Darter, a great old deisel submarine that was disposed of somewhere around the late 1970's or very early 1980's. That being the case, I would have overhauled that very pair some time between 1974 to 1976 (as well as their periscopes).

opticschief wrote:The Mk-91 and Mk-93 were left up in the sail of the the submarine all the time. We used to pressure test them to about 300 ft. They sat on top of a TBT (Target Bearing Transmitter) that directly sent the direction the binocular was pointing down to the control room to be fed to the fire control computer (old days, all gears). There were two models, one was 7x the other was a 6x. They are NOT what was refered to as "big eyes", which were 20x120mm.

Would opticschief or anyone else happen to know what voltage was used for reticule lighting?

I just purchased an unbelievably nice US Navy Bausch and Lomb Mark 91 "Telescope" today and in searching for info, came across this site. I was also looking for info on these as they are the biggest, baddest, heaviest, and clearest viewing bino's I have EVER seen! They are so heavy that the guy built a tripod stand for them. Mine have all the same stuff on the tag as the one above, but my S/N is 92. Even though I'm a disabled Navy veteran, and I'd LOVE to keep these, I bought them to resell.

Thanks, Wingnut. Of course, this for is not a forum for buying and selling, but if someone wanted to contact you for more information, well, that would be another matter.

I wasn't trying to pimp them, I was mainly looking for info on them....they are VERY cool. I have searched all weekend for info and have not found much at all. I even tried to call you on Friday, but they said you were no longer with the company, spoke very highly of you, but that I should ask for "Bob" on monday. I listed them on Ebay yesterday, simply because I was on a deadline, but I'd love to learn more about them. I actually made a mistake on my last post. The serial number on mine is 297, not 92.

Hi

I was just teasing. Not to worry.

Yes, I am now a free-lancer, semi-retired (and loving it). Bob is always a good contact, though, especially on astronomy.

I will go to E-bay and have a look and, who knows, maybe bid.

Thank you!! Here's the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 185wt_1139


Do you know if there is any way to track down which vessel these were on, and maybe when?

Hi

Very interesting, especially that mount.

Military history is way out of my league, but I'd start by contacting someone in military history at a local college or university or even the navy, itself. Good luck.

Relisted! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 673wt_1139


I can't believe I have to beg for bids.....I have a TON of interest, but people are scared to bid, I guess.

Hi

I think the a lot of that interest is in the fact that these are unique and also historical. I'm sure you'll do fine, though, on the bidding.

I have a pair of binoculars called Japanese World War Two BIG EYE... these are approx 50lbs... about 22inches long and very well made by nikko which is now nikon any info is greatly appreciated thanks

Hi

We don't deal in collectible or vintage binoculars, here, but hopefully someone will be bale to supply a bit of info for you. Best of luck and welcome to the forum.