MiniatureBinoculars.com

Distribution of Japanese Miniature Binoculars . Miniatur Fernglas Verteilung. Jumelles Miniature Distribution. Миниатюрные бинокли распределения. 小型双眼鏡配布 . Miniatyr Kikare Distribution. Prismáticos en Miniatura Distribución. Distribuzione dei Binocoli Giapponesi Miniatura.

A number of entities were involved in the distribution of imported miniature binoculars. In Japan these included Japanese trading companies (catch all term for various wholesale middlemen), purchasing agents, exporters, consortiums, and manufacturer affiliated entities providing these functions. Within the destination countries there were importers, wholesale distributors (including a number who branded product with their name or brands), chain store retail distributors who distributed binoculars within their own retail outlets (and who might also act as importers), mail order and catalog retail distributors (who might also act as importers, and might engage in both wholesale and retail distribution of their brands), and manufacturer or brand affiliated distributors (Nikon Canada, Tasco Australia) using the brand name but who may be independently owned contractual affiliates. It is generally difficult to research the history of distribution channels. Any errors are unintentional, and will be promptly corrected if brought to our attention. Information is intended for non commercial use in historical research by enthusiasts. Brand names on miniature type binoculars were almost always additionally used on full size binoculars, and some were also used on telescopes, so that TOA, Perl, Palomar, Milo, Eikow, SPI, Prinz, Vixen, Focal, Mayflower, Selsi, Yamatar, Bushnell, Tasco, Greenkat, Sears, Skybolt, Skymaster, Kenco, Yashica, Regent, Mizar, Solus, Swift, Pentax, Jason and others are encountered on telescopes. Information about the distribution of miniature binoculars brands will normally also apply equally to full size binoculars, telescopes, microscopes, and sometimes cameras sold under those same brand names.

Historical Information: Wholesale Distributors. Historische Informationen: Großhandel Distributoren. Information Historique : la Distribution en Gros. 歴史情報：卸売販売代理店 . Историческая справка : Оптовая Дистрибьюторы. Historisk Information : Partihandlare. Información Histórica : Distribuidores al por Mayor.

ASANUMA & CO. LTD., (Japan), Asanuma Shōkai 沼商会 Asanuma Trading Co.

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRAND: KING BINOCULARS, ASANUMA BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCE OF INFORMATION : CAMERAPEDIA, OBSERVATION

Japan based Asanuma and Company is a Japanese trading company and distributor and manufacturer of photographic accessories and equipment, including those sold under it’s “King” brand name, and including at some point in time miniature or “M” type binoculars sold under the “King” brand name. The company claims a founding date of 1871. During it’s long history Asanuma manufactured large format cameras in the 1920’s, was a noted distributor of Minolta from the 1930’s to the 1950’s, distributed lenses, tripods, rangefinders, imported cameras into Japan and at one time had offices in Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and Sapporo. As of 2008 it’s address was Tōkyō-to Chūō-ku Nihonbashi 1–2–8 Nihonbashi Building 5th–6th floors. A recent (2015) Google search brings up a current range of camera straps distributed by Asanuma under the King brand, as well as professional tripod heads, titanium monopods, camera grips, bendy leg mini tripods, tablet computer tripod adaptors, and similar products also under the King brand. King miniature external reverse poro prism binoculars were distributed in the UK, and Asanuma binoculars of various types were also distributed in the USA. TO SEE OUR KING BINOCULARS NAVIGATE TO PHOTO GALLERY #8 AND ORIGINAL BOXES #1 .

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRANDS (handled ) BUSHNELL, AOCo, ASAHI OPTICAL, (for Bushnell), LIMER, MIRADOR, SIMOR, SPORT, BELFONT, BERKELEY SCIENTIFIC. HIGH SCORE GRAND VIEW , REMINGTON, SPORTSVIEW,

PRIMARY SOURCE OF INFORMATION: US CUSTOMS COURT CASE 1971., INTERNATIONAL TRADE NAMES DICTIONARY/GALE RESEARCH 1988, OBSERVATION OF MARKINGS ON BINOCULARS

Japan based Oriental Trading Co. was established in 1947 as a buying agent and exporter, and then in 1955 established a Kugahara factory using the Romanji of Oriental Trading Co of Toyo Jitsugyo K.K. It is listed on the 1959 Japan Binoculars Promotion Association list of binoculars manufacturers under “The Oriental Trading Co.” at 2-1-1, Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, and is listed at a slightly different address in their 1951 advertisement, presented below, and still listed in 1988 at the same address. It is documented that Oriental trading co was a primary Japanese exporter for Bushnell when owned by David Bushnell.

1951 OTC Oriental Trading co binoculars ad

Advertisement in the Journal of Finance & Commerce, Feb 15 1951. Holdings of Yale University Library

Japan based Associated Manufacturers Agency located at Nakano 6-22-10 Nakano ku, Tokyo, Japan, is a Japanese trading company and/or importer and exporter. Believed active from around 1958 to the present, it is listed in Japanese business directories as specializing in “Optical Instruments and Lenses”.

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRAND (handled): SWIFT BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCE OF INFORMATION: various Japanese commercial directories

ŌMIYA SHAHIN-YŌHIN KABUSHIKI KAISHA

OMIYA PHOTO SUPPLY CO LTD (Japan)

Omiya Photo Supply Co Ltd., located at Jimbocho 1-chome Kanda, Chyoda-Ku Tokyo, Japan, was a camera and photo supply company and has used the Hansa brand name since the 1920’s. They distributed cameras, binoculars, telescopes, scopes, and photographic equipment under the Hansa name and held U.S. trademark #73066606 for Hansa for telescopes and spotting scopes (but not specifically binoculars) from 1975 citing commercial use since 1951 and UK trademark #1049758 1975-1996 for Hansa for photographic and optical apparatus, and Australian trademark #289057 1975-1996 for optical apparatus. Omiya and Hansa seem to have been recently active (2004 catalog observed), but current status is unknown. TO SEE OUR HANSA BINOCULARS NAVIGATE TO PHOTO GALLERY #4 .

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRANDS (US/UK/AUSTRALIA TM owned): HANSA BINOCULARS, telescopes & spotting scopes

PRIMARY SOURCE OF INFORMATION: CAMERAPEDIA, U.S. PATENT & TRADEMARK OFFICE, UK INTELECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AUSTRALIA

Kenco Co., Ltd. ( 株式会社ケンコー Kabushiki-sha Kenkō was founded in 1957as a distributor of photographic and optical products. Kenco had US trademark #73415992 for binoculars, telescopes, and cameras from 3/1983-date, with first use claimed as 1975, and Canadian trademark #4975046 for binoculars, telescopes and camera goods 1984-present. In 2011 Kenco merged with Tokina and became Kenco Tokina Co Ltd, which currently makes and distributes camera filters, lenses, binoculars, telescopes, tripods and a variety of photographic products. TO SEE OUR KENKO BINOCULARS NAVIGATE TO PHOTO GALLERY # 10 .

KENCO CO., LTD. 株式会社ケンコー

KABUSHIKIKI-SHA KENKŌ (Japan)

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRANDS US, Canadian TM owned): KENCO BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCE OF INFORMATION: KENCO GLOBAL WEBSITE, USPTO, IP CANADA

Claritas Ltd. of Equity House, 42 Central Sq. Middlesex UK, and at some point of 2 Earlswood St, Greenwich, London UK, and of 52 High St, Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex, UK, was founded on 6/24/1946, as a wholesale distributor of binoculars and optical and navigational products with the Clarita’s owned brands of Solus, Hilkinson and Hilkin. Claritas Ltd held UK trademark #888141 for Solus for optical apparatus from December 1965 to December 2010, and UK trademark 1176909 for Hilkin, and UK trademark 14273 for Hilkinson. Clarita’s Ltd. formed the direct sale entity of “Clarita’s-Online ” in 2002. Prior to that time, Claritas advertisements redirected consumers to stockists (stocking dealers). Clarita’s Ltd was dissolved 1/27/2015, according to UK Companies House records. Claritas-Online remains active. TO SEE OUR SOLUS BINOCULARS NAVIGATE TO PHOTO GALLERY #7 .

CLARITAS LTD. (UK)

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRANDS (UK TM owned): SOLUS BINOCULARS

FULL SIZE BINOCULAR BRANDS (UK TM owned): HILKIN BINOCULARS, telescopes, microscopes, optical& photographic & cinemagrapic apparatus, HILKINSON BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCES OF INFORMATION: UK GOV. COMPANIES HOUSE, UK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE, CLARITAS-ONLINE WEBSITE

TOR Optical Trading Co., founded in 1948, was listed in directories as a manufacturer/exporter/importer of binoculars (1,500 pieces, microscopes, telescopes, opera glasses and cameras in 1953 with trade with the USA, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, and West Germany). The company was located at 2 Shiba Tamuracho, Minato-Ku Tokyo, with head offices at 2038 Shimoochiai 4-chome, Shijuku-ku, Tokyo, and also operated a factory in Tokyo, with capitalization of 1 million yen . TO SEE OUR TOR BINOCULARS NAVIGATE TO PHOTO GALLERY #3 .

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRANDS (believed owned): TOR BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCE OF INFORMATION: JAPANASIA JAPAN TRADE DIRECTORY published by the Japansia Information Service, Tokyo,1954, and held in Yale University’s non circulating collection.

HURRICANE IMPORT CO. (USA)

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRANDS (owned) HURRICANE BINOCULARS. (owned or handled): HORIZON BINOCULARS, ( handled): LIMER BINOCULARS, MIRADOR BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCE OF INFORMATION: DAILY INDEPENDENT JOURNAL1962, COURT CASES , GAYLE DIRECTORY, US PATENT GAZETTE 1953, MARONI”S INTERNATIONAL REGISTER, OBSERVED BOX MARKINGS

Hurricane Import Co. of 70 10th St San Francisco California, was founded in 1924, and Sept 18.1953 filed an application for a US trademark for “Hurricane” for binoculars ser #653,377 claiming use since 1924 (believed refused or withdrawn). They also imported some binoculars from RKK Riken. Around 1962 they were distributing Limer and Mirador binoculars. At some point they also distributed Horizon binoculars. At some point the company became known as Hurricane International. They do not appear to have been incorporated in California. TO SEE OUR HURRICANE BINOCULARS NAVIGATE TO PHOTO GALLERY #4 .

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRANDS (owned or used) SCOPE BINOCULARS, also probably LUNA BINOCULARS, subsidiary Peerless Camera claimed exclusive rights to HAMBLETONIAN BINOCULARS, and also LEMONT BINOCULARS which Peerless camera stored sold.

PRIMARY SOURCES OF INFORMATION: SCOPE CATALOG OFFER IN 1967 MAGAZINE “BOATING”, WYSK, CAMERAPEDIA, NY DIV. OF CORPORATIONS, BERKEY OBIT, WHO OWNS WHOM various editions, 1971 DIRECTORY OF US IMPORTERS

SCOPE INSTRUMENT CORPORATION (USA)

BERKEY PHOTO INC.

BERKEY MARKETING COMPANIES INC

PEERLESS CAMERA STORE

WILLOUGHBY CAMERA STORE

Berkey Photo was started in 1932 and grew into a highly complex mix of a great number of companies around the world involving cameras, film, and optics with revenues of $85 million in 1966, and $182 million by 1981. Of the dozens of Berkey owned companies in half a dozen countries, virtually all were tied to some aspect of photography, optics, or film processing: the one most relevant to binoculars was Scope Instrument Corp., a US importer who imported binoculars and telescopes under the SCOPE binoculars name and distributed them at wholesale, and who presumably imported binoculars for sister Berkey owned retail outlets Peerless Camera and Willoughby Camera under other names (hence the “LUNA by SCOPE “ marking shown above). Scope Instrument Corp. was incorporated in New York 11/16/1966 as an out of state corporation (if like most other Berkey companies, then in the more tax favorable state of Delaware). Berkey Marketing Companies Inc also appears associated with binoculars. At one time Berkey Photo Co & Berkey Marketing Co, and Scope Instrument all listed an address of 25-20 Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Woodside, NY. USA. Scope Instrument Corp. of NY is listed as “surrendered” by the NY Div of Corporations, but it is unclear on what date. It does not appear that “Scope” or “Luna” were trade marks in the US for binoculars. Scope binoculars are observed advertised 1959-1973 and LUNA BINOCULARS are observed advertised 1954-1957. Berkey owned Willoughby Peerless Camera Stores in NYC, and Peerless Camera Stores sold the Hambletonian brand of binoculars. HAMBLETONIAN BINOCULARS are observed advertised 1955-1960. By 1958 Peerless Camera claimed to have sold 100,000 of their exclusive brand of HAMBLETONIAN BINOCULARS (probably named for the Hambletonian Stakes Horse Races, mostly held at NY venues). LEMONT BINOCULARS are seen advertised bu Peerless Camera Stores around 1952-1954 but presumably sold for a much longer period. TO SEE OUR 1952 SCOPE INSTRUMENT CATALOG NAVIGATE TO BINOCULAR CATALOGS #05 . TO SEE OUR SCOPE BINOCULARS NAVIGATE TO PHOTO GALLERY #7 . TO SEE OUR HAMBLETONIAN AND LEMONT AND LUNA BINOCULARS NAVIGATE TO PHOTO GALLERY #3 .

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRANDS (U.S. TM owner): STELLAR BINOCULARS, (US trademark owned) PRESTIGE BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCE OF INFORMATION: NEW YORK STATE DIVISION OF CORPORATIONS, US PATENT & TRADEMARK OFFICE

Astra Trading Corporation of 175 Fifth Ave New York was a wholesale distributor of radios, hair dryers, binoculars, phonographs, kitchen hardware, etc. According to the New York State Division of Corporations Astra Trading Corp filed for incorporation in New York Oct. 18, 1939 and was dissolved May 26, 1993. Astra Trading Corp. held US trademark # 73370424 for Stellar for binoculars from July 1983 to cancellation September 1990 listing first commercial use in 1952. Astra trading company held US trademark #73370410 for the “Prestige” logotype for binoculars, field glasses, opera glasses, microscopes and telescopes from July 1983-to cancellation September 1990 citing first commercial use in 1954. Other types of products Astra Trading co handled included radios, intercoms, record players, tape recorders, flashlights, kitchen cutlery, hair dryers, toys, dolls, jewelry, and probably many other items. TO SEE OUR STELLAR BINOCULARS NAVIGATE TO PHOTO GALLERY #5 . TO SEE OUR STELLAR BINOCULARS NAVIGATE TO PHOTO GALLERY # 10 .

Astra Trading Co “Stellar” logotype trade marked for other types of products (left), and as observed on binoculars (right).

Astra Trading Co “Prestige” logotype trade marked for other types of products (left), and as observed on binoculars (right).

Compass Instrument & Optical Co. Inc. (later Compass Industries, Inc) of 268 Fourth Ave, N.Y., N.Y. and later 104 West 29th St, N.Y., N.Y. filed for incorporation in New York on Nov. 4, 1946 as a wholesale distributor of microscopes, scales, slide rules & measuring instruments, binoculars & telescopes and optical and instruments, drafting sets, marching compasses, pedometers and much more. Compass filed for US trademark #71670170 for “Binolux” for binoculars and microscopes in July /19/1954 , currently in force, and filed for US trademark # 72310541 for “Compass” for binoculars 10/25/1968 , expired 7/10/1995 , plus trade marks for Cadillac binoculars (full size) and Monolux Telescopes. The corporation status is “active”. Binolux binoculars are observed advertised 1954-present, and Compass binoculars are observed advertised 1960-1977. TO SEE OUR 1968 AND 1976 COMPASS AND 1966 BINOLUX CATALOGS NAVIGATE TO BINOCULAR CATALOGS #01 (BINOLUX) AND BIOCULARS CATALOGS #2(COMPASS)

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRANDS (owned or used?): MAYFLOWER BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCE OF INFORMATION: CALIFORNIA SECRETARY OF STATE, 1960 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICEf

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRANDS (U.S. TM owner): BINOLUX BINOCULARS, COMPASS BINOCULARS, also MONOLUX TELESCOPES

FULL SIZE BINOCULAR BRANDS (U.S. TM owner): CADALLIC BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCES OF INFORMATION: NEW YORK STATE DIVISION OF CORPORATIONS, MCCRAES BLUE BOOK, U.S. PATENT & TRADEMARK OFFICE

The Colonial Optical Co. of 1954 La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, USA and later of 9009 La Cienega Blvd Inglewood, California, USA was active in 1962, as this collection holds their 1962 catalog, and since Mayflower binoculars are observed advertised as early as 1954 it appears they were marketed from 1954. Colonial was a “direct importer” and wholesale distributor of binoculars & telescopes under the Mayflower brand name, and of barometers. According to the 1960 Official Gazette of the US Patent office Colonial filed for a trademark for Mayflower for binoculars telescopes, microscopes, and opera glasses on Mar 23 1959 SN 70042 listing first use in 1954, but it may have been refused as no further record can be found on the USPTO database by searching Mayflower or Colonial or that number for trademarks or patents. Colonial Optical filed for incorporation in California on 9/30/1968, according to the Ca. Secretary of state, and Colonial is currently listed as dissolved, though it is not disclosed when. TO SEE OUR 1962 COLONIAL OPTICAL CO CATALOG NAVIGATE TO BINOCULAR CATALOGS #01 . TO SEE OUR MAYFLOWER BINOCULARS NAVIGATE TO PHOTO GALLERY #4 .

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRANDS (handled): NIPPON KOGAKU BINOCULARS, probably YORK BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCES OF INFORMATION: PENNSYLVANIA SECRETARY OF STATE, YORK CATALOG

York Cutlery Company of 552 West Market St, York, Pennsylvania USA filed with Pennsylvania as a company on 10/13/1966 and status is active. They were a wholesale distributor of Nippon Kogaku miniature binoculars, and Bauch & Lomb and York full size binoculars and opera glasses and rifle scopes. TO SEE OUR YORK BINOCULARS NAVIGATE TO PHOTO GALLERY # 10 . TO SEE OUR YORK CATALOG NAVIGATE TO BINOCULAR CATALOGS #06 .

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRANDS (owned?): FE BINOCULARS (Far Eastern), TOURIST BINOCULARS, COMMANDO BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCES OF INFORMATION: FAR EASTERN SALES CATALOG 1952

FAR EASTERN SALES CO. (USA)

Far Eastern Sales Co. of 2251 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, Ca. was an importer claiming a Tokyo office and wholesale distributor of binoculars under the FE brand, around 1952. They do not appear to have been incorporated in California. TO SEE OUR 1952 FAR EASTERN SALES CATALOG NAVIGATE TO BINOCULAR CATALOGS #02 .

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRANDS (handled) BUSHNELL or AOCo. BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCES OF INFORMATION: NEW YORK STATE DIVISION OF CORPORATIONS, A. JAEGER’S 1966 CATALOG

A. Jaegers Optical Corporation of 691 Merrick Rd, Lynbrook, NY 11563 filked for incorporation in New York on June 6, 1953 as a mail order retailer(?) or wholesaler of telescopes, binoculars, lenses, reticles, and telescope building components, with dissolution: June 26, 1966. TO SEE OUR 1966 A. JAEGERS CATALOG NAVIGATE TO BINOCULAR CATALOGS #03 .

PARKER DISTRIBUTORS (USA)

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRANDS (handled) SWIFT BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCES OF INFORMATION: NEW YORK STATE DIVISION OF CORPORATIONS, PARKERS DISTRIBUTORS 1961-1962 CATALOG

Parker Distributors of 3516 White Plains Rd., NY. 67 NY was a wholesale distributor of Fishing and hunting equipment, including firearms, reloading equipment, rifle scopes, binoculars, and similar. Though obviously operating in 1961, the NY State Div of Corporations appears to list them as being incorporated in 1987 with dissolution in 1992. TO SEE OUR 1961-1962 PARKER DISTRIBUTORS CATALOG NAVIGATE TO BINOCULAR CATALOGS #05 .

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRANDS (U.S/ TM owner): SELSI BINOCULARS

FULL SIZE BINOCULAR BRANDS (U.S/ TM owner): STEREOPHOS BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCES OF INFORMATION: NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF REVENUE & ENTERPRISE SERVICES

Selsi Co., Inc. of 194 Greenwood Ave, Midland Park, New Jersey, USA holds U.S. trademark # 71229410 for “Selsi” for telescopes and field glasses (still active) listing first use in commerce as 1925. Selsi filed for incorporation in New Jersey on 9/15/1967. Current status uncertain. TO SEE OUR 1938 SELSI CATALOG NAVIGATE TO BINOCULAR CATALOGS #05 .

THALSON CO. (USA)

WESTWOOD IMPORT CO., INC.

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRANDS (owned) PALOMAR BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCES OF INFORMATION: US PATENTS AND TRADEMARK OFFICE, 1955 THALSON CATALOG, POLKS DIRECTORY

Thalson Co. of 682 Mission St., San Francisco, California, USA held U.S. trade mark #71570733 for “Palomar” for binoculars, telescopes, microscopes and cameras from Apr 1950–1970 with first use claimed 1948. They were a well known wholesale distributor of firearms, ammunition, binoculars, telescopes, knives, etc. The company does not seem to have incorporated in California, and may have been a partnership of Ben & Herbert Blumenthal and Frank Morris active before 1948 and until 1970. In March 1970 the Palomar trademark was reassigned to Westwood Import Co. of the same address as Thalson, so Westwood probably represented a company sale restructuring. TO SEE OUR 1954 AND 1955 THALSON CATALOG NAVIGATE TO BINOCULAR CATALOGS #06 .

MANHATTAN NOVELTY CORPORATION. (USA)

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRAND (owned) ST MORITZ BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCES OF INFORMATION: US PATENTS AND TRADEMARK OFFICE, NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF REVENUE & ENTERPRISE SERVICES

Manhattan Novelty Corporation Co. filed for incorporation in Illinois on 4/25/1933 in New Jersey USA, and held US trademark #71620221 for a St Moritz Binoculars logotype for binoculars from May 1953 to cancellation Nov 7 1988, with first use claimed 1939. The company also held a US trademark for St Moritz for electric guitars, violins, drums, cymbals and the company may have been involved in coin operated machines.

1951 trade marked logo

As used on 6 x 15 binoculars

Historical Information on Importers and Distributors of Miniature Binoculars Wanted. Catalogs of Miniature Binoculars Wanted for the Collection. miniature.binoculars@gmail.com

Historische Informationen über Importeure und Distributoren von Miniatur- Ferngläser Wanted. Kataloge der Miniature Fernglas Gesucht für die Sammlung. miniature.binoculars@gmail.com Renseignements historiques sur les importateurs et les distributeurs de Jumelles miniatures recherchés . Catalogues de jumelles miniatures voulais pour la collection. miniature.binoculars@gmail.com

ミニチュア双眼鏡の輸入と販売代理店の過去の情報求みます。ミニチュア双眼鏡のカタログは、コレクションのために募集しました。 miniature.binoculars@gmail.com

Historisk information om importörer och distributörer av Miniature Kikare sökes . Kataloger av Miniatyr Kikare sökes för samlingen.

miniature.binoculars@gmail.com

Información histórica sobre Importadores y Distribuidores de Prismáticos miniatura queríamos. Catálogos de Prismáticos miniatura queríamos para la colección. miniature.binoculars@gmail.com

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USA

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MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRAND (owned) HEDLER BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCES OF INFORMATION: HEDLER SYSTEMLICHT WEBSITE

GERMAN

MARKET

Hedler, currently of Heerstrasse 12 Runkel, Germany was formed in 1945 as a photo studio and photographic supplier, and from 1961 to 1972 Hedler distributed binoculars including imported models under the Hedler brand name, as well as projectors. From 1969 to the present Hedler manufactured photo and film forced air cooled lighting systems.

USA

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ANGLOPHOTO LTD (CANADA)

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRANDS (handled) NIPPON KOGAKU & NIKON BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCES OF INFORMATION: ADVERTISEMENTS, DATALOG CO/UK

It is my understanding that Anglophoto Ltd, Instrument Div, of Rexdale Ontario, Canada was the Canadian importer of Nippon Kogaku and Nikon binoculars, microscopes, and cameras in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Believed founded Nov 1964, dissolved Dec 1980.

Oriental Trading Co and Toyo Jitsugyo K.K. were considered affiliated divisions of the same entity. TJK T oyo J itsugyo K .K. markings have been observed so far on the following brands of binoculars: Baker, Belfont, Berkeley Scientific, Carl Wetzler, Cornell, Grand View, High Score, Imperial, Montgomery Ward, Panorama, Pollux, Remington, Simor, Sportview, SUI, Swift, Wards, and Wuest. Plus Admiral, Astro, Orbit & Sport Master telescopes.

OTC/ O riental T rading C o Markings have been observed so far on the following brands of binoculars: Birks, and Ensign.

1975 Asanuma Sales Rep Help Wanted ad

1963 trade show blurb

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EUROPEAN

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TOR OPTICAL TRADING CO. (JAPAN)

ASSOCIATED MANUFACTURERS AGENCY (Japan)

ASTRA TRADING CORPORATION (USA)

COLONIAL OPTICAL CO, INC. (USA)

COMPASS INSTRUMENT & OPTICAL CO. INC. (USA)

YORK CUTLERY COMPANY (USA)

A. JAEGERS OPTICAL CORPORATION (USA)

SELSI CO. INC. (USA)

HEDLER (GERMANY)

ORIENTAL TRADING CO LTD.

TOYO JITSUGO K.K. (JAPAN)

MIRADOR OPTICAL CORP. (USA)

MINIATURE OR FULL BINOCULAR BRANDS (handled?) MIRADOR & LIMER BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCES OF INFORMATION: CALIFORNIA SECRETARY OF STATE, OFFICE OF FINANCE CITY OF LOS ANGELES

I believe that Mirador Optical Co of Marina Del Rey California USA and incorporated in California in 1982 was the US importer/distributor of MIRADOR BINOCULARS and of LIMER BY MIRADOR BINOCULARS and probably of LIMER BINOCULARS . The Office of Finance City of Los Angeles lists them as active August 1984 to December 2003. This makes it likely they were involved in full size Mirador and Limer binoculars sales and marketing (such as the Secret Service contract SEE PHOTO GALLERY #1 ) and less likely they were involved with the time frame of Limer miniature binocular models, which was more likely done by Hurricane Import Co (above). TO SEE OUR LIMER BINOCULARS NAVIGATE TO PHOTO GALLERY #6 .

INTERPHOTO (USA)

MINIATURE BINOCULAR BRAND (U.S. TM OWNER) LENTAR BINOCULARS

PRIMARY SOURCES OF INFORMATION: U.S. PATENT & TRADEMARK OFFICE, N.J. DEPT OF REVENUE & ENTERPRISE

Interphoto Corporation, incorporated in the state of Delaware 7/7/1961 and incorporated in the state of New Jersey in March 1973 of 200 Roosevelt Place Palisades New Jersey USA held US word trademark #73118822 for Lentar for binoculars from March 1977-1999 with first use claimed in 1964. On the Lentar binoculars marking above the Lentar marking is the trademark of importer Interphoto and the crown is the trademark of exporter W. Haking Enterprises Inc. .