Original WWII U.S. Navy Bu. Ships Mark 33 Mod.0 6x30 Binoculars by Universal Camera with Case - Dated 1943
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent condition pair of WWII U.S. Navy Mark 33 Mod.0 6x30 Binoculars, made in 1943 by Universal Camera Corp., specifically designed for the Bureau of Ships. U.S. Navy organizations that were largely responsible for procurement in the 1940s were designated Bureaus, each commanded by a Rear Admiral. These Bureaus included: Aeronautics, Engineering, Navigation, Ordnance, and Ships. So the fleet of surface combat and support ships, of submarines, of Coast Guard and of Maritime Service vessels, along with most of their instruments and consumables too, were largely specified by and contracted for by the Bureau of Ships (BUSHIPS, or sometimes designated BU.SHIPS)
When the mission was to observe movement across a wide expanse of air and water then a binocular with a much wider field of view was justified. Several wide angle binocular models were commissioned specifically for the Bureau of Ships, whose vital work included spotting enemy vessels, planes, as well as other objects; these bear the designation BU.SHIPS as found on this example. These are similar to previous small form factor designs, but with better waterproofing and new prism plates.
These are marked on the right side of the rear by the eyepiece with the model and serial number:
U.S. NAVY BU.SHIPS
MARK 33, MOD.0
N -1943
Below this is the manufacturer information: UNIVERSAL /CAMERA CORP. / NEW YORK. U.S.A.. The left rear plate is marked 6x30, the magnification factor of the binoculars, and the end of the center pivot is marked with serial number 90633.
The optics are clear and excellent, all aspects of the binoculars function, and they are in overall excellent condition. Unfortunately the pair has no neck strap at present, but most of the original leather straps were replaced post war with rubber ones, which can be found relatively easily.
The binoculars come in a very nice reinforced hard leather covered case, which is unmarked. The shoulder strap is unfortunately broken on one end, however the original belt loop on the back is still in great shape. The top securing strap is still present with its lift-the-dot snap, though the leather is somewhat delicate.
Overall a fantastic Bureau of Ships 6x30 binocular set from WWII. Ready to display or use!
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