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Original U.S. Vietnam War Era M-19 Modular 7x50 Fused Vinyl Coated Binoculars With Correct Case by the Bell & Howell Company
Item Description
Original Item: Only One Set Available. This is a fantastic representation of the first modular type binoculars employed by the US Military, the M-19. The lenses are still clear and able to be focused properly. The M19 binocular provided the U.S. armed forces with a truly modular instrument suitable for use in the severe environments encountered by the military, environments such as the jungle. Additionally, the M19 provided a high-quality opto-mechanical device with significantly reduced size and weight that enabled simple, rapid field-maintenance, where it mattered most.
Modularity of the M19 was certainly its most striking aspect. To appreciate the extent to which this instrument was made modular, it is worthwhile to note that a typical WWII-era binocular was manufactured using selective assembly, was comprised of approximately 250 parts, and required more than 100 special tools for maintenance. In contrast, the M19 was composed of a minimal number of interchangeable modules and required only two special tools, an adapter plug for a torque wrench and a spanner wrench, for assembly or disassembly. This concept minimized the time and complexity required for service and maintenance. Unfortunately if there were any tools located on the interior of the case they are unfortunately no longer present.
The objective and eyepiece modules of the M19 were interchangeable among units without sacrificing performance in collimation, focus, or resolving power. Both of which function properly though we made no attempts to see if they were able to be removed. The lenses are a little dirty but are undamaged from what we could see. The M19’s aluminum body housings held the prism pairs, bonded together with a UV-curing adhesive, and fixed into place with an adhesive developed by the U.S. Army. The two prisms in each monocular were precisely aligned and seated on machined surfaces within the housing.
The coating of the M19 used fused vinyl rather than paint or hand-glued vinyl which feels almost like rubber. This coating offered a comfortable, easily applied, machinable surface to the exterior of the product. The coating is retained almost in its entirety and served its protective purpose. There are nicks and dents in the coating, most likely from service use which is expected. There is no significant damage present to the coating making this an even more wonderful offering.
Included in this set is the original “CASE CARRYING” hard protective case to house the binoculars. There is no damage present and both lift the dot snaps are still present. Unfortunately the only thing that appears to be missing on the exterior of the case is a shoulder strap.
A wonderful example that comes more than ready for further research and display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
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