Vintage Binoculars

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Collecting Vintage Binoculars

I love collecting vintage and antique items. I think Antiques Roadshow is one of the best shows every created. I hate shopping for clothes, but I can get lost for hours in an antique shop or at a flea market. My eyes light up at the deals that can be found at estate auctions and garage sales. Admit it: you're nodding your head along with me.

I don't dislike any antique, but vintage binoculars and antique binoculars are a favorite of mine. For one, they're small. Two, they aren't overly fragile (I'm afraid to breathe on antique pottery). Three, they are neat. When you hold vintage binoculars, you can feel the connection to the person who held them years before. What did they see when they looked through them?

Where to find Vintage Binoculars 

There are many places to look for vintage binoculars. If you are shopping online, Ebay is your best bet for a large variety at a reasonable price. Since you can't examine these before you buy, be sure to decide how high you'll go and don't get caught up in a bidding war.

Antique shops are always good, though these tend to have the highest price. Let the shop owner know what you are looking for and they may be willing to call you if the perfect piece comes in.

Flea markets, yard sales, and estate sales will have some of the best deals, but you'll have to spend a lot of time sorting through the rubbish. Still, this can lead to the most exciting finds and your favorite pieces.

What to Look for in Antique Binoculars 

If you are buying antique or vintage binoculars, whether locally or online, you want to make sure they are in good shape. The first thing that you should do is make sure that all of the pieces are still attached. Ideally, all parts will be original and the binoculars will be in working order. The seller might not know if the parts are original, so keep that in mind when pricing pieces.

Most antique field binoculars are covered with leather, so that should be the next thing that you examine. Avoid purchasing binoculars that suffer from dry rot or a cracked and torn leather casing. Replacing the leather covering can be just as difficult as replacing the lenses, so avoid any binoculars that would need serious repair. You can take the binoculars to a saddlery for cleaning, though.

Vintage Military Binoculars on Ebay 

Many of the vintage binoculars on Ebay are the military variety. These binoculars are also known as field glasses, though field glasses refer to any outdoor binoculars. If you are a history war buff, you'll definitely want to pick up a pair from your favorite time period. Vintage usually means an item that is less than 100 years old, but there are no rules so look at each listing to determine the year.

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Vintage Opera Binoculars on Ebay 

Another common type of collectible binocular you'll find is the opera binoculars, also called opera glasses.

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Vintage Binoculars on eBay 

Of course, not all binoculars are going to be for war or opera. Here are some that are just plain old vintage.

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Read Up 

Learning more about collecting antiques can make the hobby both more interesting and more financially rewarding. Here are some books to get you started.
Antiquing For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

Antiquing For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

by: Ron Zoglin, Deborah Shouse

Amazon Price: $17.09 (as of 12/19/2009) Buy Now

Antiques Roadshow Collectibles: The Complete Guide to Collecting 20th Century Glassware, Costume Jewelry, Memorabila, Toys and More From the Most-Watched Show on PBS

Antiques Roadshow Collectibles: The Complete Guide to Collecting 20th Century Glassware, Costume Jewelry, Memorabila, Toys and More From the Most-Watched Show on PBS

by: Carol Prisant

Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/19/2009) Buy Now

Price It Yourself! The Definitive, Down-to-earth Guide to Appraising Antiques and Collectibles in your Home, at Auctions, Estate Sales, Shops, and Yard Sales

Price It Yourself! The Definitive, Down-to-earth Guide to Appraising Antiques and Collectibles in your Home, at Auctions, Estate Sales, Shops, and Yard Sales

by: Joe L. Rosson, Helaine Fendelman

Amazon Price: $17.12 (as of 12/19/2009) Buy Now

Antique Binoculars on Ebay 

Antiques are usually 100 years or older, but there is no set rule on Ebay, so read the item descriptions carefully. Also, be sure that you are not buying a replica (unless that's what you want). Ebay has lots of buyer protections in place, but it's always good to practice due diligence.

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by Marc_d

I'm an early adaptor of new technology and love to write reviews and share what I know. (more)

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