Vintage Steampunk Binoculars from England 1889-1910

Aitchison’s Patent Compact Pocket Field-Glass – Vintage Steampunk Binoculars from England 1889-1910

This extraordinary pair of binoculars, "Aitchison’s Patent one thousand sixteen," originates from England and stems from an era when optics still combined craftsmanship and design. Aitchison, who was known for his novel Pocket Binoculars, filed the patent and created a field-glass that captivates with its compact construction and a mechanically elegant extension mechanism. It is made of aluminum, which makes it unusually light and simultaneously rust-free, thus ideal for travel, theatre, opera, or as a collector’s item. The binoculars can be extended using a quirky, charming mechanism and stylistically recall Steampunk design; every screw and lever speaks of artisanal precision and Victorian engineering. The marking "Aitchison’s Patent one thousand sixteen – London, England – Aitchison & Co Makers" proudly adorns the casing, lending the object authenticity and historical value. In a recent publication, this model is explicitly mentioned as a rare classic and is highly valued by collectors of antique optical devices.

These binoculars are far more than a mere device — they are a piece of history. They embody the time when travel and theatre evenings were adventures, and binoculars were still works of art, not mass-produced goods. This piece is a special highlight for lovers of vintage optics, Steampunk atmosphere, and collectors of historical devices. The aluminum frame has partial dents, the mechanism works perfectly; signs of use commensurate with age.