Old Bushnell 9-30x40mm zoom spotting scope - value?

[Flying Beaver]

I've come across an old (probably '60's vintage) Bushnell 9 to 30 power #78-1930 zoom spotting scope. Objective lens is 40mm. The zoom mechanism is a peculiar setup - a "cylinder within a cylinder" that you rotate through cutouts in the main barrel. The left side of this is labelled "Insta-Focus".

There is a large aluminum male dovetail block on the underside of the scope, which is also tapped for a 1/4-20 camera tripod screw.

The box is black and yellow, labelled "Made in Japan" and "Bushnell Optical Company/Division of Bausch & Lomb, Inc.

I'm wondering if any optical Nutz have an idea of what one of these is worth, if anything. It looks to be in VG+ to Excellent condition, and still has it's original box, manual and caps for objective and eyepiece. Glass seems quite good, and everything seems to work.

 

[Sly Old Fox]

Old Bushnell Spotting Scope

I've come across an old (probably '60's vintage) Bushnell 9 to 30 power #78-1930 zoom spotting scope. Objective lens is 40mm. The zoom mechanism is a peculiar setup - a "cylinder within a cylinder" that you rotate through cutouts in the main barrel. The left side of this is labelled "Insta-Focus".

There is a large aluminum male dovetail block on the underside of the scope, which is also tapped for a 1/4-20 camera tripod screw.

The box is black and yellow, labelled "Made in Japan" and "Bushnell Optical Company/Division of Bausch & Lomb, Inc.

I'm wondering if any optical Nutz have an idea of what one of these is worth, if anything. It looks to be in VG+ to Excellent condition, and still has it's original box, manual and caps for objective and eyepiece. Glass seems quite good, and everything seems to work.

I bought one of these about 1968-70 and paid about $70 for it, I think.

It is exactly as described above. The focus tube at the objective end has developed some looseness which I can't seem to get out of it. I have used it little, having bought a Pentax MF-63 zoom earlier this past spring.

As for the Bushnell, I don't value it very highly but the one that Flying Beaver has sounds like it is better condition.

 

[Flying Beaver]

Bought it eventually, as it was an estate sale item. Paid a reasonable price, but not giveaway. On the plus side, it seems to be a very good quality spotter in excellent condition.