Negretti & Zambra Minim 5.5x military binoculars VERY RARE
Two versions of this binocular were produced. The first had wider eyecups and a soft leather bag for carrying and storage. The second version of the MINIM 5.5x binoculars was adapted for field use and had improved sealing and shock resistance. The second version had narrow eyecups and a good quality leather case, in which the eyecups of the first version did not fit due to their size.
The optical characteristics of the first and second versions of MINIM 5.5x also differed. The first (civilian) version had the following characteristics: magnification 5.5x, lens diameter 16mm, FOV 105m/1000m or 6°. Second (field) version: magnification 5.5x, lens diameter 16mm, FOV 148m/1000m or 8.5°. Both versions of the binoculars had an exit pupil diameter of 3mm and the same weight.
Over the years of production of MINIM binoculars of both versions, 4200 units were produced. Moreover, about 800 of the total number of binoculars of the second version (field, with narrow eyecups) were produced. Numbering of copies is continuous. Such binoculars were a luxury item and not everyone, even a rich person, could afford them. In 1915, the British War Office placed an order for the BEF (British Expeditionary Forces), which fought on the Western Front, across the English Channel as part of the Entente; The order was for a batch of 250 binoculars Negretti & Zambra Folding MINIM 5.5x "field" version in a hard case.
Each binocular was personalized and intended for a specific person. The engraving of the name and unit where the officer served was carried out during the manufacturing and assembly of the binoculars. The engraving has the same font and application technique as the rest of the inscriptions on the binoculars.The embossing on the leather of the case is also done at the factory. MINIM 5.5x binoculars with serial number "3195" were manufactured in first quart 1915 for Captain James S.
Malcolm Corrie, who served in the 1st Battalion of the Scottish Fusiliers from 1914 and took a direct part in the battles on the battlefields of the Western Front. There is a service card for Captain James M. Corey, who later became a major. The case is embossed J. There is also an inscription in J.
The ink inscription on the leather case and "Last Name/Name" on the service card are written in the same handwriting. The binoculars are in excellent technical and cosmetic condition. Inside, when exposed to light, there are dust particles. Wouldn't expect such image quality from binoculars that are 109 years old and survived the First World War. Rich colors, excellent sharpness, pleasant and comfortable to look at.
The binoculars have probably been in a variety of situations, been with Captain Corey on the battlefield, but this has not affected it in any way, it continues to demonstrate very high quality workmanship and performs excellently. In addition, the binoculars are very unusual and beautiful, they have a complex and intricate design. All parts are original, the binoculars have never been disassembled. Binoculars from that batch, 250 pcs.
For BEF, very few have survived in the world, only 2-3 pieces. (museum exhibits in the Imperial War Museum IWM). And out of 10 pcs. For The Cameronians division this is the only ones binoculars in the world. I'd like to get half.