New Guy! (1 Viewer)

[todd.neiss]

Hello! I am curious about some binoculars gifted to me from my friend, the late Peter C. Byrne.

Amongst his accolades, he was a published author, wildlife researcher, international explorer, conservationist. A Fellow, The Royal Geographical Society, London, England; Member Emeritus, The Explorers Club, New York, NY.; Member, The Academy of Applied Science, Boston, MA.; Honorary Member, The East African Professional Hunters Association; Honorary Executive Director, The International Wildlife Conservation Society.

The binoculars in question are Leitz/Wetzlar - Trinovid 10x40mm [serial number 735971]. They are in good shape and appear to be unique, in that the eyepieces are wrapped in green cord. I am not sure if this was from the factory or added by Peter at some point.

Provenance: These binoculars are featured in several of Byrne's books: "The Search for Bigfoot" - 1975 (p. 22), "Shikari Sahib/Gentleman Hunter" - 2002 (p. 177, 182, 195, 198 & back cover photo), "Tula Hatti - The Last Great Elephant" - 2008 (p.102). In addition, they are featured in numerous documentaries and TV shows.

Just curious of their value (with & without provenance)

Thank you!
Todd Neiss

 

[delia todd]

Hi Todd and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators. I've moved your post to the Binocular section, where they are better placed to help you.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.

NB: I've removed your phone number and email address from you post as we do not allow them to appear (for your own safety). Only swap these details with people you trust via the private messaging facility.

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum.

 

[tenex]

The green cord must be an owner customization, presumably to reduce motion of the binocular on its strap. What is the view like?

I suppose this was made in the 1960s, though experts can be more precise. It has no phase coatings, and others are dated. It's quite worn with owner's name and phone conspicuously engraved, so intrinsic value negligible. What the association with Peter Byrne may be worth I couldn't guess.

 

[todd.neiss]

The green cord must be an owner customization, presumably to reduce motion of the binocular on its strap. What is the view like?

I suppose this was made in the 1960s, though experts can be more precise. It has no phase coatings, and others are dated. It's quite worn with owner's name and phone conspicuously engraved, so intrinsic value negligible. What the association with Peter Byrne may be worth I couldn't guess.

The view is quite good. Haven't seen any others with a green cord.

 

[John A Roberts]

The early Trinovids used:
a) a propriety strap lug on the body, along with;
b) a slotted/ sprung attachment, on the ends of a leather neck strap.
See the comments and images at: Trinovid 7x35B Shoulder Strap

In this instance, the original strap has been replaced with a woven nylon one, using the green cord to keep the strap from detaching:




John

 

[Thotmosis]

Such a nice gift from a late friend is IMHO priceless.

 

[Patudo]

Just imagine what he saw in them!