R.E.L. Naval Binoculars

[LawrenceN]

Hey fellow gunnies, I just thought I'd share with anyone else interested in Canadian wartime optics. I wasn't sure if I should post this in the "Milsurp" forum or here. In any case, for your consideration and interest, a very nice set of binoculars made by R.E.L. (Research Enterprises Ltd.). From the serial number, they were made in '42-'43 for the Canadian Navy. They are a heavy pair of 7 X 50's and I could see how they'd be a beast for a ground-pounder to lug around and they don't have the graduated reticle. What had me puzzled was the extra set of dials by the oculars. They have the letters "D,G,Y,O" so I was on several forums and google trying to nail down what I had. After communicating with a wonderful collector and very knowledgeable gentleman in Winnipeg, I have all the information on these I needed. The extra dials are filters that were retro-fitted by B.O.P. (Beaconing Optical & Precision) in the early fifties. The letters stand for "Dark, Grey, Yellow, Ordinary) and were meant to be used for varied light conditions at sea. These were exclusively Canadian Navy issue so the lack of military acceptance stamps is both common and of no consequence. Overall, they are in excellent condition other than case wear, and the case is also stamped "R.E.L. - CANADA". I'm amazed at the excellent condition of the optics and the case. There is nothing broken, cracked, chipped, or damaged in the glasses of the leather case. So my fellow gunnies, enjoy the pics!

 

[gregc]

very nice set of optics. i have a mint set of 10$ elcans and a couple of ww2 infantry binos. lot of history in your hands. thanks

 

[AP]

I have used them — they were still being issued prior to the Elcans .... IIRC the issued units had reticles which were primarily useful for arty and mortar target indication and correction. Yes they were beasts for infantry use (although they were also issued to infantry units)— optically they were pretty good for the time. The neutral density filters were useful for winter use and cut glare effectively - they can also be useful for maritime applications when there are conditions with high sun reflection from the water. The yellow filters can increase contrast in overcast or hazy situations.
REL had a very advanced optics capability.

 

[LawrenceN]

I have used them — they were still being issued prior to the Elcans .... IIRC the issued units had reticles which were primarily useful for arty and mortar target indication and correction. Yes they were beasts for infantry use (although they were also issued to infantry units)— optically they were pretty good for the time. The neutral density filters were useful for winter use and cut glare effectively - they can also be useful for maritime applications when there are conditions with high sun reflection from the water. The yellow filters can increase contrast in overcast or hazy situations.
REL had a very advanced optics capability.

Now that is interesting! I didn't know this size of binocular was made with the graduated reticle and issued to land units. I was under the impression that ground units were more likely to have the 6 X 30's.

 

[sillymike]

Nice, I have the exact same set (minus the case). Yours would the 5th pair that showed up on the web that I'm aware of.

For those interested, here's a good write on Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwpg/6801341634/

http://home.europa.com/~telscope/Leech.2015.Canadian.made.binoculars.2.pdf

 

[AP]

Now that is interesting! I didn't know this size of binocular was made with the graduated reticle and issued to land units. I was under the impression that ground units were more likely to have the 6 X 30's.

yes — I have a 6x,30 that were issued to my father (also infantry) .... WWll era .... but I have seen those 7x,50 illustrated here with the integral filters in store rooms during the 70’s ... for infantry use.

6x,30 are my favorites .... they provide a 5mm exit pupil which is the maximum young eyes can utilize; they are light because of their 30mm objectives AND they can have a wide field of view.... all desirable factors for an infantryman