Posted 7 months ago
julius0019
(31 items)
I happened upon an ultra rare item at a yard sale. A WW2 U.S. Navy Mark V Binocular Collimator. The metal identification plate states; "U.S. Naval Gun Factory / W.N.Y. / Binocular Collimator / MK 5 / Serial # 118 / 1943, as pictured. There is very little history to be found about it, which in this case it appears to be due to it's extreme rarity. I was told that the device was used to calibrate cannons for accuracy on Navy warships. Apparently, this collimator is still viable, as I found this quote from Suddarth Optical Repair, "We use a Mark V U.S. Navy Collimator for aligning all binoculars, which allows for a perfect image regardless of your I.P.D. This proper alignment will offer greater clarity and negate eye strain or any ocular discomfort."
This quote is from Oberwerk, the worlds leading supplier of high powered binoculars and equipment: " In August of 2018, when an ultra-rare genuine Navy Mark V collimator was put on the market by an optics collector in San Diego, Cory notified Kevin- and he jumped on it! With its massive 5-foot-long iron rail and solid copper housing, it was a beauty! Rather than risk trying to ship such a large, heavy, delicate, and irreplaceable piece of equipment, Kevin bought a one-way ticket to San Diego, rented a station wagon, and drove it back to Dayton, Ohio. Oberwerk has always been proud to say we’re the only binocular retailer on the planet (that we know of) with an in-house collimator."
Any more information that the awesome enthusiast might have would be greatly appreciated. I have been educated repeatedly by collectors weekly experts over the years and love this site.








Can you take a picture showing the whole unit please.
Can you take a picture showing the whole unit please.
I am so sorry that I missed your message, BHIFOS. I will take a few more photos and just change them out. I will post one of the piece mounted on the railing system. I assume that that is what you are wanting. If there is anything else that you want to see specifically, just let me know. I attempted to change my email address, but failed to delete the one on file, is why I missed your message.