Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original set of Imperial Japanese WWII 7x50 military binoculars manufactured by YAMATO, complete with their thin leather neck strap and a tropical-style carrying case. The binoculars remain functional, with strong original finish, well-preserved barrel coverings, and only moderate service wear.

The rear of the left prism housing is marked:

YAMATO

NO. 5252

Additional Kanji markings are also present but have not yet been translated. YAMATO is known as a Japanese optical marking encountered on binoculars dating from the WWII period, although the precise manufacturer behind the trade name and its military contracts remain worthy of further research.

The right prism housing is marked:

7 x 50 mm

7.1°

The 7x50 designation indicates seven-power magnification with 50mm objective lenses. This combination offered a relatively wide field of view and strong light-gathering capability, making binoculars of this general configuration suitable for observation in reduced light and at sea.

Each eyepiece has its own independent diopter focusing adjustment. Both controls move properly, and the binoculars focus accurately. The optics remain mostly clear and usable, although there is some internal haze and the lenses and prisms would benefit from professional cleaning. They have not been disassembled, serviced, or optically calibrated by IMA.

The exterior remains in very good condition. The textured coverings on both barrels are largely intact, and the black painted finish remains strong overall. There is scattered wear through the finish on the metal fittings, together with minor oxidation, scratches, and handling marks consistent with military use and age.

The original thin leather neck strap remains attached. It shows expected wear but is complete and adds considerably to the binoculars’ display appeal.

Also included is a tropical-style carrying case constructed from a hard pressed-paper body covered in canvas. The edges and closure areas are reinforced with leather, while the interior is lined with canvas. Unlike more heavily fitted cases, the interior has no substantial shaped supports for holding the binoculars in position.

The underside of the lid has two small cotton fittings intended to retain removable sun or filter lenses. Both filters are now missing.

The leather closure strap remains present but is heavily crazed, cracked, and fragile. It should be handled carefully and should not be placed under unnecessary tension.

The case retains its original canvas and leather shoulder strap, together with the woven canvas belt loop on the reverse. Kanji writing is present on the exterior and beneath the lid. These markings may relate to the original owner, unit, storage location, or issue information, but they have not yet been translated.

The case measures approximately 8 1/2" by 8" by 4".

Japanese 7x50 binoculars of this general type were manufactured for wartime military observation, but the precise Army, Navy, or other service attribution of this example cannot be confirmed from the supplied markings alone. Comparable Japanese WWII 7x50 binoculars are known with specific naval property, arsenal, inspection, and reticle markings that can help establish their original use.

The combination of the clearly marked YAMATO binoculars, serial number, untranslated Kanji, original neck strap, and complete tropical-style carrying case makes this an appealing and research-worthy set for an Imperial Japanese or Pacific War collection.