4161

1943-1945

PAIR OF WORLD WAR II JAPANESE NAVAL BINOCULARS CAPTURED BY H.M.S. "EURYALUS"

With three-inch diameter objective lenses, folding targeting sight, adjustable eyepieces and individual focusing knobs. Mount with elevation quadrant and handle. Finished in original gray paint. Contained within a fitted wooden box, the top inscribed "The Superintendent Admiralty Research Laboratory, Teddington, Middlesex. Via. S.N.S.O. at Ports concerned. Case No. E.C. 4624 155 from Capt., R. O-B. H.M.S. Euryalus.".
Case height 9.75". Width 22.25". Depth 16".
Condition: The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction. 

  • Provenance:
    Capt. Richard Oliver-Bellasis (1900-1964), Commander of H.M.S.
    Euryalus , 1943-45, and thence by descent.
    Charles Miller Ltd., London, October 2012, Lot #31.
    Purchased at that sale by the current owner.

    Notes:
    Per the catalogue notes from Charles Miller, Ltd.: Richard Oliver-Bellasis was a specialist in underwater defenses and in charge of experimental mine sweeping before the war. He joined
    Euryalus on August 15, 1943. Euryalus saw extensive action in the Mediterranean before being transferred to the Pacific Theater, patrolling for the Japanese. Although she did not encounter the enemy, it is likely the binoculars were captured and brought aboard by another ship of the Royal Navy. Oliver-Bellasis left the ship in November 1945 and, upon his return to the Admiralty, became Director of Underwater Weapons from 1947 until his retirement in 1950. According to family history, the binoculars were sent for examination, but the Admiralty had no further use for them and returned them to Oliver-Bellasis's care. They languished in the box he sent them in ever since and remain in highly original condition.

Shipping Options

Invaluable Shipping

  • Expert Care packing and Shipping
  • Shipment Protection
  • Real-time tracking

Arrange your own

  • You will coordinate with us to arrange your own shipping

Local pickup

  • You will coordinate with us and arrange pick up time after payment.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

February 27, 2024 9:30 AM EST
East Dennis, MA, US

Eldred's

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $499,999:
26.00%
$500,000+:
10.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $99 $10
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000