The Adam Park Project

Item Information:

Catalogue Number: 08/01/048 Source: TAPP Archaeology Surveys Location: 17 Adam Park Report No: Report No.7 Artifact Type: Personal Kit Production Date: 2010-08-12 00:00:00 Dimensions of Item: 45mm x 45mm Copyright with The Adam Park Project

Other Description:

Item 8/1/48 is from a pair of 6 x 30mm British Army binoculars that were made in 1941. The base and top end pieces are made from brass. This right-hand side end plate has the following engraved upon it: GRATICULES 1/2° APART AND 1/4° 1/2° AND 1° HIGH A. KERSHAW & SON LEEDS 1941 O. S. 108 – MA [this number stands for Optical Store: Drawing number 108]

Historic Context:

Kershaw and Son, were the most prolific producer of British Army binoculars during WW 2, followed closely by Taylor-Hobson. Production of the binoculars rocketed during the early war years and the binoculars were standard issue to many army officers. The binoculars were made of alloy and brass, painted in heavy black paint. The alloy body was covered in a black textured material the surface underneath is painted in a matt black paint. Poignantly, the glass in this item has melted under extreme heat suggesting the binoculars were lost in the fire at No.17. A piece of molten glass that appears to have been a lens was found nearby.