I have vintage binoculars from Swarovski and was wondering what their value might be and the best place to sell them since I have no use for them and they've just been sitting on a shelf collecting dust. I have the original box and leather case and the binoculars are in good condition with very little wear.

The box is marked

Habicht M DV

Prismen-feldstecher

8x30

There is a pair with case, as you describe yours to be, available for $150 on eBay right now. Can't post a link, but this is the title of the listing. You can search the site with it to see for yourself.

Vtg Swarovski HABICHT 8x30 Binoculars w Case & Straps Austria ~ 901183

quote:

Originally posted by p220cop:
There is a pair with case, as you describe yours to be, available for $150 on eBay right now. Can't post a link, but this is the title of the listing. You can search the site with it to see for yourself.

Vtg Swarovski HABICHT 8x30 Binoculars w Case & Straps Austria ~ 901183

Thanks for the link, I was hoping value would be a little higher. My binoculars are in much better condition plus I have the box which should increase value a little.

I wonder if there is a site for binocular enthusiasts?

I don’t know much about binos. It could be that the vintage ones are far better, or at least there is a significant group of folks who think so (German or West German Sigs come to mind, as do pinned and recessed Smith and Wesson revolvers). It could also be that the optical technology has moved on and you can get smaller, lighter, cheaper binos with equivalent or better performance for a lot less money. If the former is true, that argues for a higher value. If the latter is true, then the market is really just collectors. I don’t know what the reality is.

quote:

It could also be that the optical technology has moved on and you can get smaller, lighter, cheaper binos with equivalent or better performance for a lot less money

I doubt that optical technology has moved on, but electronic image stabilization is certainly a major advance.

That said, I’m sticking with my 50 year old 7x35 Leitz Trinovid binoculars. They’re beautiful, including the superb leather case. Made in West Germany.

From researching 1960's vintage binoculars, my understanding is that what hurts their value is none, from any brand, are as good as newer ones. Mostly it's the quality of the new glass both the thinness and precision of the shape, as well as the coating on newer ones that allow more light and less distortion.

This was very apparent when I compared my new, smaller, $600 Maven B.3 to my father's old high-end (at the time) Nippon Kogaku Tokyo (later to become Nikon) 7X 35.

Looking on Ebay as well as binocular and Nikon forum classifieds, ones like my father's complete with leather case were bringing under $100.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/11750...tkp%3ABk9SR5a384a3aA

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ridewv,

I have the binoculars my Father carried every day in WW eleven.
They are not German quality, pretty beat up, case and strap well worn.
Left side is marked Hensold, right side Grossfeld. 6x24.
I'll give it to my grandson and tell him stories of his war hero great grandfather.

So checking out Ebay there's plenty of vintage binoculars for sale but doesn't look like they bring much money or much demand. People collect all sorts of things but it doesn't appear vintage binoculars are one of them unless they're connected to WW1/2 which are sought after. I may post an add for 300 bucks and see what happens.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: calugo,

I have an old Japanese set, made by Nippon Kogaku Tokyo. 7 x 35 IIRC. I estimate that they are late 1940s manufacture, or possibly early 1950s. Although old, they are still sharp and focus well.

That company is now Nikon.

Be cognizant that older optics tend to lose sealing, and mold can grow inside the device.

I would not attempt to sell a pair like yours, meaning in general, an older item, without checking for tiny mold specks and in the ad stating that you are selling for collector interest only, not optical performance.

On eBay, I noted a truly new item like yours for over $1600.

quote:

Originally posted by 4MUL8R:
Be cognizant that older optics tend to lose sealing, and mold can grow inside the device.

I would not attempt to sell a pair like yours, meaning in general, an older item, without checking for tiny mold specks and in the ad stating that you are selling for collector interest only, not optical performance.

On eBay, I noted a truly new item like yours for over $1600.

Can you send me a link from ebay? I checked and only thing I could find was someone selling one for $150. Same model as mine but in poor condition, if I could get a grand Id be thrilled. Thanks

not sure if someplacel like adorama etc does bini's in addition to camera gear

however,

if searching ebay, be sure the use the advanced search function, click the sold button,

it will show what actually moved, not what folks are asking

quote:

Originally posted by calugo:

quote:

Originally posted by 4MUL8R:
On eBay, I noted a truly new item like yours for over $1600.

Can you send me a link from ebay? I checked and only thing I could find was someone selling one for $150. Same model as mine but in poor condition, if I could get a grand Id be thrilled. Thanks

Posting links to auction sites here is not alllowed.

For something to have a high value, you need more buyers than sellers.
Unless yours has a connection to some particularly interesting person, it's sentimental value that would make someone buy one.
Otherwise, it's just another garage sale item.
I have a really nice, formerly expensive, slide rule I bought on ebay years ago. I never use it, it's just something I wouldn't have been able to buy when they were in use and shortly after I graduated from school they became obsolete. For me it's a nice desk ornament, a conversation piece for my older engineering type friends.

On eBay, it is a question of value agreed by the seller and buyer.

In life, every item's value is based on what is someone's willing to pay for it. In the same breath, it is also what you are willing to sell it for.

You just have to decide what price you are willing to let it go at and list it for sale about 15% higher(negotiation room). Then let it go.

I am trying to sell my wife's car right now. She has an idea what she wants for it and I don't think she will get that. But getting somewhere in between the low ballers and her price is my world right now.

quote:

Originally posted by 4MUL8R:

quote:

Originally posted by calugo:

quote:

Originally posted by 4MUL8R:
On eBay, I noted a truly new item like yours for over $1600.

Can you send me a link from ebay? I checked and only thing I could find was someone selling one for $150. Same model as mine but in poor condition, if I could get a grand Id be thrilled. Thanks

Posting links to auction sites here is not alllowed.

Sorry didn't think of that rule when I posted the request

quote:

Originally posted by 4MUL8R:

Posting links to auction sites here is not alllowed.

Does that rule apply to all auction sites? Or only to gun auction sites? Memory is just a little fuzzy about this, but I think I remember links to "Bring A Trailer" when discussing some vehicles.

I used to buy old binoculars on eBay, but don’t anymore. Part of the problem with eBay and old binoculars is they often aren’t in good enough condition to use much. Collimation is likely off, and I don’t have the tools to fix it. Waterproofing may be compromised. With older stuff, as someone already said, you may have dust and mold that compromise the image.
Consider adorama, keg, cloudy nights, birdforum, etc. Maybe here! If condition is that good, it’s a shame they’re not in use.
How about giving to a school or birding club?