WW1 British Army MkV Binoculars

Superb pair of MK V binoculars for a British Army officer, dating from around 1915. Made in France by Ets PETIT in Paris, they are clearly marked with the Broad Arrow single arrow (not the double arrow found on models sold to civilians after the war), and marked Mk V WIDE 24300. The optics are in perfect condition, free of dust and mold. The focusing wheel is fully functional. The binoculars are made entirely of brass with their original black lacquered finish and leather covering. The craftsmanship is meticulous and of high quality. A beautiful display piece or a perfect complement to a fine officer's uniform.

At the beginning of the First World War, the British Army experienced rapid expansion, too rapid for the supply of equipment and uniforms to keep pace. Improvised solutions were quickly found, notably through the use of alternative models, commercially available equipment, and foreign orders. One of the Army's weaknesses was the lack of quality optics for its officers. The best lenses and binoculars were manufactured in Germany, a supply option that was obviously out of the question. As the British optical industry was relatively small, the army turned to French manufacturers. The model shown is a pair of binoculars made in France by PETIT in Paris for the British Army.