Binoculars Prismatic No.2 Mk.2 - Advice

[Peter Laidler]

They certainly weren't junked!!!! They were relatively valuable and classed as V&A, Valuable and Attractive stores and subject to close security. They would always be repaired except when the crap alloy casing failed, usually through corrosion or a chattered thread and even then the plate threads could be tapped oversize or inserts fitted (or was that on the No5's?????). The axis bar would become loose too but not very often in my experience and that was a fitter shop job to re-bush and ream. From this, you can see that the old Mk2's and 3's plus the odd occasional US Bausch and Lomb binios lasted well into the 2000's.

[Micheal Doyne]

I haven’t had much luck searching the internet for any drawings or servicing procedures. You wouldn’t happen to know names or references for the MOD docs that would be useful would you? Some times a specific search can yield wonders, but so far “drawing O.S.108” or “service manual No.2 prismatic binoculars” hasn’t thrown up anything useful.

[Bob Womack]

My best advice is to poke around cities with Navy installations for optical repair benches. I happen to live in an area with a large Navy base. When my father needed a pair of WWII U.S. Army M17 glasses serviced I found out that Navies typically have some large glasses aboard that require servicing, so there are usually a few contractors around the bases. Check Portsmouth, etc. You might get someone to take a look at all of your glasses and choose the best candidate for restoration. Ours came out great. More HERE.





Bob

[Mk VII]

One repairer I have bookmarked in the past is WW2 Binocular Repairs & Servicing - Optical Repairs

I haven't dealt with them so far, but I thought it worth noting.

[Micheal Doyne]

Cheers, I had in fact already ask these guys for a quote and I plan to (price dependent) at least get the two best sets serviced by them. I continue to have a dangerous urge to look at what I can do my self in this area. However given the comment on anti clockwise threads and tiny grub screws I think I will hold off that project until I have sourced some reference material.

[Flying10uk]

The gun looks like the German type.
Please I would like to know which

I assume that you were referring to this: https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=67860

[Peter Laidler]

The real problem with the old Taylor Hobsons, the Kershaws, Watsons and PB's is one of economics! If you are offered a pair cheap and they need anything doing to them then it's simply not worth buying them and paying £50 (you'll be lucky.....) or so to get them fixed because you can buy a half decent see-throughable pair for that. To be honest, the Mk3's are a real PITA with gummed up mastic everywhere that makes stripping down a real palava

[Scout Sniper]

Hehe, you brought those binoculars from me... Glad they went to a loving home.

I have a nice set of 1943 Taylor Hobsons.

[Micheal Doyne]

Hehe, you brought those binoculars from me... Glad they went to a loving home.

I have a nice set of 1943 Taylor Hobsons.

Hi Scouy_Snipet,

I am very happy with them. They have just had an optical clean and are looking great.
Thank again for the sail.

[Scout Sniper]

Wow, brilliant news! Its really nice to hear what happened to something i sold.

I only joined here a week or 2 ago and was browsing the forums and come across this thread. Couldnt believe my eyes, hey i took those pictures!!

Good score!

Here are my 1943 TH... These are what i replaced those with. I only paid £45 for these. Came with matching 1943 case and strap. Also original canvas strap!

Attachment 102221Attachment 102220