Callred1975

In my opinion, they are most likely knockoffs. I’ve seen similar binos with outrageous numbers like that on them before (100x100, 200x200, etc). Hope that helps.

After further consideration, I’ve decided to see if a collector would like to purchase them before I have Cory Suddarth at Suddarth optical refurbish them. I love these big binos, but I really want a pair for regular use and these are too rare (in my opinion) to risk screwing them up using them regularly. Before I have any kind of modification/refurbishment performed on them to make them fit my needs, I figured I would see if someone wants them in their current condition. I haven’t had them long, but I think I’ll experience physical pain when I do sell them.🙁 If no-one wants to buy them, then I’ll take that as the “Telescope Gods” telling me they are meant to be mine. 😁

Got it. Ordered adapters from ADM, but one of them came with a serious defect. The bolt had oxidized badly and locked the knob onto the threads. I didn’t realize it was defective until I attempted to fix what I thought was just a burr on one of the threads keeping the knob from screwing down all the way. I removed the adapter and began twisting the knob back and forth repeatedly. Unfortunately, I was sitting on my couch and had placed my refractor between my knees on the floor objective lens down. I hadn’t put the dust cap on yet. What I didn’t realize at the time was the powdery substance that had developed from the oxidization was raining down all over my legs and into my optical tube. Needless to say, I was upset when I noticed what was happening. I contacted ADM and OPT (where I had purchased it) and ADM apologized and has sent me a replacement. OPT has said they will help me with a resolution for my powder coated optical tube. I’m waiting for one of their techs to contact me with a fix. It’s been nearly a week now. I’m being patient, because of the whole virus situation. It’s made everything slower and more difficult for everyone.

I like it! I will definitely be adding it to my verbal repertoire.

Thanks JOC! I learned a new word today. ”Stonking” yeah..... I’ll definitely be using that one. Just an update... I have had a chance to look through them both terrestrially and at the night sky. The image is spectacular through the right eye with virtually no chromatic aberration. Focus is sharp and stars are nice and round nearly to the edge. The independent focuser for the left eye works, but it feels stiff, not smooth like the right one. I’m not quite able to achieve focus on the left. I will be shipping them to Cory Suddarth with the next few weeks and that will be corrected during the refurbishment he’s going to do on them for me.

Just an update... I have had a chance to look through them both terrestrially and at the night sky. The image is spectacular through the right eye with virtually no chromatic aberration. Focus is sharp and stars are nice and round nearly to the edge. The independent focuser for the left eye works, but it feels stiff, not smooth like the right one. I’m not quite able to achieve focus on the left. I will be shipping them to Cory Suddarth with the next few weeks and that will be corrected during the refurbishment he’s going to do on them for me.

I spoke with Cory Suddarth at Suddarth Optical and I’ve decided to let him do a complete restoration on them (IPD, eccentric rings & focusers cleaned out and re-lubed. All lenses cleaned, seated and re-sealed. Collimation and zero diopters set on their US Navy collimator, and all bare metal polished to a mirror finish).. After Cory’s finished with them, they will be like new inside and out.

Duh. it’s right in my own post. 23.3 kg or 51.37 lbs.

Big Eyes on their custom made mount. After picking them up for the first time, they definitely weigh more than the 36lbs I was told. I’d say they weigh between 50-60lbs. I’ll weigh them later and post the exact weight.

For perspective’s sake, I’m 6ft 1 inch and weigh 260lbs.

I feel like a kid on Christmas.

Quite possibly. At this point, your guess is as good as mine.

That’s a great post with lots of good historical information Michael. Thanks

I’m in the process of establishing provenance. I should be able to trace it’s origin (hopefully).

Correction: After getting the brass plate translated, I have discovered the true production year is 1944 not 1940.