Fall 2026 Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 128:
Description
Title: WWII Imperial Japanese Military Binoculars, Tokyo Optical Co. (TOKO), Serial No. 3682, with Canvas Case Description: Offered here is an original pair of Imperial Japanese military binoculars manufactured by Tokyo Kogaku Kikai K.K. (Tokyo Optical Co., Ltd.), better known by the wartime TOKO trademark. Tokyo Optical was one of Japan’s major military optical manufacturers during the Second World War, producing binoculars and other precision instruments for the Imperial Japanese armed forces. The company’s distinctive diamond-form trademark is documented on surviving wartime military optics. This example bears the serial number No. 3682 together with Japanese inspection/property markings on the lower prism plate. Construction is typical of substantial wartime field glasses, with black-finished metal bodies, individually focusing eyepieces, exposed brass-colored objective housings, central hinge, and textured gripping surfaces. The relatively low serial number is especially noteworthy and adds collector interest to the piece. The binoculars remain housed in their period khaki canvas carrying case, which shows substantial age, staining, wear, and field use. Japanese military binoculars are well documented with canvas and tropical-style cases, particularly for service in warm and humid operational theaters where conventional leather equipment was less practical. Tokyo Kogaku Kikai was one of Japan’s principal wartime optical houses, second only to Nippon Kogaku in the production of military optical equipment, and manufactured binoculars, gunsights, bombsights, cameras, and other precision instruments for the Japanese armed forces. The firm later became Topcon. The binoculars exhibit heavy but appealing period character, including finish wear, scratches, oxidation, loss and cracking to portions of the body covering, and age to the exposed metal surfaces. The accompanying canvas case shows staining, soiling, seam wear, and other evidence of prolonged use and storage. The optics have not been function-tested for this listing and should be evaluated by the purchaser according to the photographs. A desirable original set of Imperial Japanese wartime field binoculars by Tokyo Optical, especially appealing for the clear military markings, low serial number 3682, and surviving canvas field case. An excellent addition to an advanced collection of Japanese military optics, Pacific War field equipment, or WWII militaria.
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