The binoculars are in good condition with fine optics. The exterior shows some light surface finish loss scattered here and there. This is no doubt from age, storage and use as well as taking them in and out of the case.

The adjustment screw still works freely and will extend and retract the eye pieces for focus. One eye piece is faintly marked “A. BARDOTT – PARIS” while the other is marked “R & J. BECK – PHILADELPHIA.” The bridge between the eyepieces is straight.

The black leather that covers the body of the binoculars show moderate wear. One of the leather seams has opened some but it is still holding in place tightly. The brass shades on both of the hoods still extend and retract as they should. One shade is engraved with the company trademark of a crossed rifle and sword with a bayonet at center superimposed over the initials “R&JB.” This mark is within a belt-like riband that reads “U.S. STAFF TRADEMARK.” Under this is another riband that reads “REGISTERED IN US PATENT OFFICE.”

With the binoculars is the original black leather case in which the glasses fit perfectly. There is no doubt that these two pieces have been together for quite some time and are not “married.” The exterior of the case shows some heavy wear with a good amount of surface finish loss. The side seams are tight. The case lid is missing and there is no strap.

Due to the consistent configuration of binoculars over a long period of time they are hard to date. With the trademark on the hood we believe these to be post-Civil War. Some information on the company that made them might be helpful:

Richard Beck (1827-1866) and Joseph Beck (June 1828-18 April 1891) formed the optical manufacturing firm of R and J Beck in 1843, based at 69 Mortimer Street, London, James Smith worked with the company under the name of Smith, Beck and Beck in 1854 but it reverted to R and J Beck when Smith retired in 1865. The company was in business well into the 20^th Century. [AD]

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