Rummaging around the dustier regions of a local antiques warehouse, I happened upon a leather case which, on inspection, contained this pair of binoculars. A quick test showed that they focussed easily and that the collimation was good, so I handed over a very modest bundle of cash.
In all honesty I had bought them to sell on, but the more I used them, the more I liked them, plus the engraved sentiment was fascinating. Soon after, I paid out far more than the binoculars are worth to have them professionally stripped and cleaned (so I really must like them!). They have turned out to be ideal for garden birdwatching.
Spindler & Hoyer KG of Göttingen were manufacturers of high quality optics and suppliers of binoculars to the German military in both WW1 and WW2.
What makes this pair particularly interesting is the engraved sentiment: “PRESENTED TO Mr. T. MAY BY HIS COLLEAGUES AS A MARK OF ESTEEM ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM H. M. DOCKYARD 16th JULY 1932”.
To be retiring in 1932, Mr. May would have been working in the dockyard during the WW1 period, I suspect, and to have been presented with what must have been an expensive gift, suggests he was senior and/or good at his job. Interesting that his colleagues choose German binoculars, when good British optics were available.
If I identify Mr. May, I’ll update this post.
Source: antique dealer
Middle: 6×30, W. Watson & Sons, 1916
Rear: 10×50, Carl Zeiss, 1940s
Source: Antique shop purchase