Rare: Wards (JB-138) 12.5 SUPER WIDE 7x,35 w/Case: Cleaned, Lubed and Enhanced!

Description: We've been collecting vintage binoculars (Vin Bins) for nearly a decade and check listings here and other places for new examples of such old classics. In all that time we never came across a 12.5 degree super wide from WARDS! We have owned a few of their other extra and super wides from 11 to 11.8 degrees with Bak-4 and BK-7 prisms. And while the views were good to excellent, especially once cleaned up, to one extent or another, we did notice that they often did not measure up build wise to most others. Lots of plastic used in construction with some models having weak quick focus paddles in lieu of the earlier and better executed standard focus wheels with "slower" to manipulate threaded shafts of plated brass, not cheap plastic prone to wear and breakage. That said, here we have what must've been WARDS most expensive and well made 7x,35 binocular of any width (Field of View: FoV) offered back then. Since it has a JB #, and that from a highly regarded firm whose code was JB-138, means it was produced after 1960 the year such were adopted. However, the build quality reminds us of those made in the decade prior. Unless one routinely dismantles these old binos for servicing, as we've done close to a thousand times by now in order to clean and fix them up for optimal use, it would be easy to miss such details as the use of metal for both the rear and front hinge caps. Too, they put cone style baffles on the rears of the ocular assemblies which have fine grooves inside so as to break up stray light. About the only plastic used was in the screw off eye cups. Speaking of the eye cups please note the lack of such in the photos. Without them views are at their widest and it is how we and others who adore such amazing optical wonders routinely use them. Eye lash grease on lenses is common. The partial right side cup was the result of a bad hit against something stout enough to cause views to double and crack the right side ocular guide tube! No need to worry as the crack isn't seen. Nor does it thankfully effect function one whit. We mention it in case future servicing is required and don't want either the new owner and/or technician to think they did the damage. We just thank the Optical Gods that none of the Bak-4 prisms threw a chip or that the right side ocular arm cracked! As too often happens with such bashings. Most times a chipped prism won't effect views. But a cracked ocular arm is the death knell for any bino. Repairs are nigh impossible and good luck finding a suitable replacement part. We blackened the frosted sides of all four prisms when they were out which ought to slightly increase brightness and contrast in this single coated classic. Wiped the interior of the chassis as well as the inner surfaces of the objectives and oculars. Upon reassembly views were still a little off so we had to loosen the objective lens lock rings and slightly spin the eccentric rings to realign views. Our own IPD (Inter Pupillary Distance) measures 69mm and the wife's is about 55. She checks every bino we work on and confirms they work for her just fine. After many many hundreds sold both here and at local flea markets only a handful were returned for small misalignment issues. Which is why we gladly offer a full refund guarantee with a three day inspection time, no questions. The focuser and right diopter received much needed lube jobs for far easier manipulation. We use NYE synthetic damping grease for a lifetime of use. The chassis was conditioned with an automotive product meant for vinyl and rubber. A set of rubber O-rings was snapped over the threaded portions of the oculars where the eye cups used to sit. And the one good original eye cup is included. Case in good shape and useful for storage and transport. It's missing the leather carry strap, as usual, since very few conditioned them so they dry rot and fall off. Compared to the two most popular and collected 12.5 degree super wides, the Tasco and Sears branded ones, this Wards model closely resembles the chassis used on the Sears with the optical design of the Tasco offering where they also eschew an additional field lens found in the Sears design. The Sears is considered The Most Beautiful Binocular ever made with a unique gator skin vinyl covering. The Tasco uses a chassis with pronounced palm swells. Since we have two Tasco and one of the Sears models, and because the views from this beauty are the same as from the Tasco, we decided to sell. The ever evolving House Collection is now north of six dozen and, while very interesting from a build point of view, the slight difference doesn't make it unique enough to want us to keep it. Even though it is rare. So if you've been pining for a Super Wide here is one that is clear, crisp and astonishingly wide. Lenses are near pristine with very few cleaning marks. It's like the entire world just got much larger when they are brought up to your own bare orbs. They are the picture windows of the optical world and are no longer made anywhere on the planet. Just why has perplexed us and many other dedicated collectors for years. What a shame!!! Satisfaction or request a return and cheerful refund within three days of receipt, please. Price reflects at least four hours of careful work, its rarity and the current economic realities imposed on this once great nation by the psychopaths in power who we all know stole the last election with the help of the satanic Deep State and their controlled media. And who are funding a genocide in Gaza despite overwhelming rejection of the policies by the American electorate. We just gave Israel 26,000 million tax dollars to continue the slaughter in all our names. Talk about sinful...

Price: 280 USD

Location: Wingdale, New York

End Time: 2024-10-08T18:04:05.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD