Antique French binoculars Lemaire Paris with leather case – First World War

Antique French binoculars by Lemaire, Paris – field glasses with leather case

A pair of antique French binoculars (field glasses, jumelles de campagne) by the Parisian optical house Lemaire. The eyepiece is engraved ‘LEMAIRE FABt PARIS’. The barrels are covered in fine-grained leather with brass rings, and focusing is done with a black-lacquered central wheel. The binoculars come with a leather case in reddish-brown leather with a flap closure, brass rivets, a belt loop on the back and a long leather carrying strap; the binoculars themselves also have their own small carrying strap. The case has a leather loop on the back so it can be hung from a belt – exactly as French officers did in the First World War. In those years Lemaire supplied this type of Galilean field glass with leather-covered barrels to the French army.

Why we chose this piece

A true classic: the engraved maker’s name, the leather that has darkened beautifully through years of use and the sturdy case with belt loop give these binoculars a story. A handsome, old-fashioned piece of optics that you still enjoy picking up. We bought this piece in France, from a collector of First World War militaria.

Style and interior

Lovely in a wall cabinet or display case, on a desk, bookshelf or mantelpiece. Suits a classic, country, maritime or industrial interior, and a collection of travel, hunting or military objects.

Condition

Very good condition for its age. The leather covering of the binoculars is complete and firmly attached, with only some light wear on the objective side (photo 5); the black lacquer on the rims of the eyepieces is slightly worn, letting the brass show through (photos 2 and 3). The leather case is complete with flap, closure, belt loop and carrying strap, sturdy and with a beautiful lived-in patina; a few light scratches are consistent with age (photos 7 and 8). Original lining in the case. No missing parts.
Dimensions: to follow shortly
Material: brass, lacquered metal, leather, glass; leather case with brass
Maker: Lemaire, Paris (marked ‘LEMAIRE FABt PARIS’)
Period: First World War, c. 1914–1918
Origin: France, from a French collection
Condition: very good condition; binoculars and case complete, light wear to the leather covering and the lacquer of the eyepieces, case with a beautiful patina and belt loop
Price:

€ 165

Worldwide shipping is available. Shipping costs are calculated separately based on destination, size and weight.