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**Authentic World War II U.S. Army Military Field Binoculars with Matching Contract M17 Leather Carrying Case**
Up for sale/sale is a beautifully preserved, 100% authentic piece of WWII military history. This complete set features a pair of U.S. Army issue M8 field glasses paired with their original, contract-manufactured M17 russet leather carrying case—both produced by the premier optics firm Bausch & Lomb during the height of the wartime mobilization (circa 1942–1943).
### ITEM SPECIFICATIONS & MARKINGS:
* **Manufacturer:** Bausch & Lomb Optical Co., Rochester, N.Y., U.S.A.
* **Binocular Model:** U.S. Army Model M8
* **Optical Configuration:** 6x30 Magnification (The standard infantry and field officer specification)
* **Military Serial Number:** 15996 (Early-mid war numerical production run)
* **Inspector Stamp:** Hand-stamped "R.L.B." (Colonel Roy L. Bowin), confirming official U.S. Military acceptance.
* **Carrying Case:** Original M17 pattern russet leather case, explicitly stamped with the iconic Bausch & Lomb triangular contract logo on the lid.
### CONDITION REPORT:
* **Binocular Body:** Excellent vintage condition. The original black pebbled leatherette grip is 100% intact with no major peeling, shrinking, or missing sections. Fine paint wear on the edges consistent with honest field use.
* **Neck Strap:** Original thick brown leather neck strap is present and securely attached to the molded lugs via the original blackened metal rivets. The leather shows typical age crackling but remains fully intact and strong.
* **Optics:** In fair, functional, and completely untouched vintage condition. Lenses show a uniform mild internal age-haze and a tiny internal fiber/speck common for 80+ year old glass, there are one or maybe two small glass cracks, NO active fungus, and NO prism chips. The alignment is true, and the image does not double. Individual eyepiece focus rings turn smoothly.
* **M17 Leather Case:** Exceptional condition. The russet leather is remarkably clean with robust, unbroken saddle stitching. The interior is dry, free of rot, and the soft lining/prism bumpers are intact. The snap closure operates perfectly.
This is a textbook, un-tampered-with rig that would make an incredible addition to any WWII militaria, combat gear, or vintage optics display.
