binocular strap?

[PogueMahone]

I can't think of an image of or an artifact set of binoculars that I've seen that had a strap on the actual binoculars. Typically you see the case with a strap for carrying the binoculars. But some binoculars have "eyelets" on either side that are obviously for some sort of strap.

1) Has anyone got an example of binoculars being worn on a strap directly without benefit of a case?

2) Does anyone know what such a strap would be made of? String, leather, cloth?

[10TnVI]

Joe- I've done a little study on the matter, but there is not a lot of research/timeline info out there-I can find no provenanced example of a civil war dated binocular with a neck strap. After the war they seem to have started producing them with loops for a leather strap, but it does not seem to be a wartime feature. Confusion does creep in since the same basic binocular, and I suspect many surplus civil war era, was used as late as the start of the 20th century, leading to misidentification of Spam-Am war used with civil war used. I imagine many a pair saw service in both:-) since I still use my first pair of binoculars bought over 35 years ago.

I currently own two pair with pretty solid CW/preCw provenance based on manufaturer and features.

To answer the base question, since straps don't seem to be PEC, I'd say use whatever material you like
See you at Perryville-

[PogueMahone]

Well, this was also a suspected answer to the question.

[PetePaolillo]

I reread original post..... disregard both eaxamples show case strap only. Sorry

[PetePaolillo]

I reread original post disregard

[PogueMahone]

Yes, but those straps are on the case.

[PetePaolillo]

I posted them before I read your original post carefully. Sorry about that

[PogueMahone]

Ha! Not a problem! I bought the binoculars before I could thoroughly research the item!

No buyer's remorse here, though. I like the size, the manufacturer is definitely CW period, the style and design is good except for the strap holes. Since my investment is only $10, I'm contemplating trimming the holes off to make the appearance more correct.

[Pvt Schnapps]

GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPARTMENT,

Adjutant General's Office,

No. 22. ) Washington, January 27, 1863.

Acting Signal Officers of the Army, or others, who may lose or dispose of field-glasses belonging to the supplies for the signal service, will be charged for the same at the following rates, computed as the average actual cost to the United States:

For each signal telescope and strap $27 00

For each binocular glass, case, and strap 22 00

BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR:

L. THOMAS, Adjutant General.

From http://books.google.com/books?pg=PA5...=1&output=text

Of course, this doesn't say what kind of strap, or whether it's the strap to the binoculars or the case.

Then you could always do something like Colonel Stokes
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/...980:@@@mdb=cwp

or Captain Wade
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/...437:@@@mdb=cwp

but those are a little light.

[PogueMahone]

Well, thank God I'm not in the Signal Service!

And don't get me started on pince-nez! I've been admiring several sets on eBay this morning. Another underrepresented item in this hobby!