website
Worldwide shipping costs calculated at checkout
hello@loomlightdesign.com
Vintage naval binoculars from the Cold War Era by Kowa originally deployed by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Vintage naval binoculars from the Cold War Era by Kowa originally deployed by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Vintage naval binoculars from the Cold War Era by Kowa originally deployed by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Vintage naval binoculars from the Cold War Era by Kowa originally deployed by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Vintage naval binoculars from the Cold War Era by Kowa originally deployed by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). 15x80 binoculars
Vintage naval binoculars from the Cold War Era by Kowa originally deployed by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Close up of the controls with Japanese inscriptions on a set of Vintage naval binoculars from the Cold War Era by Kowa originally deployed by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Close up of the controls on a set of vintage naval 15x80 binoculars. Restored by Loomlight in UK and ready to be bought by collectors.
Vintage naval binoculars from the Cold War Era by Kowa originally deployed by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
An exceptional piece of Cold War-era optical engineering, these vintage binoculars are a rare and fully functional example of the Japanese Type 65 naval binoculars, manufactured by Kowa Co., Ltd. in April 1984 for use by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Type 65 8cm Binocular Mount manufactured in 1984. The Vintage naval binoculars from the Cold War Era by Kowa originally deployed by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) are restored by Loomlight ready to be sold to a collector.
Vintage binoculars with 15x magnification and a 4 degree field of vision. a very powerful magnification for Stabilized deck-mounted binoculars. restored by Loomlight.
Japanese Naval binoculars made in 1984 by Kowa in Japan for use in the Cold War.
An exceptional piece of Cold War-era optical engineering, these vintage binoculars are a rare and fully functional example of the Japanese Type 65 naval binoculars, manufactured by Kowa Co., Ltd. in April 1984 for use by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
An exceptional piece of Cold War-era optical engineering, these vintage binoculars are a rare and fully functional example of the Japanese Type 65 naval binoculars, manufactured by Kowa Co., Ltd. in April 1984 for use by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
An exceptional piece of Cold War-era optical engineering, these vintage binoculars are a rare and fully functional example of the Japanese Type 65 naval binoculars, manufactured by Kowa Co., Ltd. in April 1984 for use by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
An exceptional piece of Cold War-era optical engineering, these vintage binoculars are a rare and fully functional example of the Japanese Type 65 naval binoculars, manufactured by Kowa Co., Ltd. in April 1984 for use by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
An exceptional piece of Cold War-era optical engineering, these vintage binoculars are a rare and fully functional example of the Japanese Type 65 naval binoculars, manufactured by Kowa Co., Ltd. in April 1984 for use by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
An exceptional piece of Cold War-era optical engineering, these vintage binoculars are a rare and fully functional example of the Japanese Type 65 naval binoculars, manufactured by Kowa Co., Ltd. in April 1984 for use by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
An exceptional piece of Cold War-era optical engineering, these vintage binoculars are a rare and fully functional example of the Japanese Type 65 naval binoculars, manufactured by Kowa Co., Ltd. in April 1984 for use by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
An exceptional piece of Cold War-era optical engineering, these vintage binoculars are a rare and fully functional example of the Japanese Type 65 naval binoculars, manufactured by Kowa Co., Ltd. in April 1984 for use by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
An exceptional piece of Cold War-era optical engineering, these vintage binoculars are a rare and fully functional example of the Japanese Type 65 naval binoculars, manufactured by Kowa Co., Ltd. in April 1984 for use by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

Type 65 15×80 Japanese Naval Binoculars by TOKO & Kowa (1984, JMSDF)

Regular price $49,374.00

Save: $-49,374.00 (Liquid error (sections/main-product line 164): divided by 0%)
/

In stock Pre-order Now Order now, Only 1 left! Sold out
Share:
Ask A Question

Type 65 15×80 Japanese Naval Binoculars by TOKO & Kowa (1984, JMSDF)

DESCRIPTION

An exceptional piece of Cold War-era optical engineering, this rare and fully functional set of Japanese Type 65 naval binoculars represents the height of maritime surveillance technology in the 1980s.

Commissioned by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), the binoculars were produced in April 1984, with the optical head manufactured by Tokyo Optical Co. (TOKO / Topcon) and the mount supplied by Kowa Co., Ltd. This collaboration resulted in one of the most sophisticated shipboard observation systems of the period.

The system features powerful 15×80 binoculars with a 4° field of view, designed for long-range surveillance, navigation, and target tracking at sea. The original electrical control box is still present, complete with Japanese-labelled toggle switches and a built-in variable resistor system. These controls powered the illumination of the azimuth scale and internal crosshairs, enabling accurate night-time or low-light operation—a true testament to Cold War naval engineering.

Constructed from cast aluminium with bronze detailing on the lens housings and tilt mechanism, the binoculars and mount have been professionally restored and polished. They are paired with a heavy-duty polished aluminium Gigawave tripod, giving the ensemble a striking industrial aesthetic that balances museum-grade authenticity with visual presence.

Every element—from the engraved JMSDF manufacturer’s plates to the carefully restored control panel—reflects the precision, craftsmanship, and durability expected of a military-grade optical device. Translations of the original Japanese labels are provided for historical accuracy.

This is more than just a display piece: it is a functional optical system with significant historical pedigree, making it an exceptional acquisition for collectors of vintage optics, Cold War artefacts, or naval equipment.

Specifications

  • Magnification: 15×

  • Objective lens diameter: 80 mm

  • Binocular dimensions: 50 cm (L) × 36 cm (W)

  • Height (adjustable): 130–160 cm

  • Tripod footprint: 100 cm

  • Total weight: approx. 40 kg

  • Optics manufacturer: Tokyo Optical Co. (TOKO / Topcon)

  • Mount manufacturer: Kowa Co., Ltd.

  • Commissioned by: Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

  • Date of manufacture: April 1984

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to own a museum-worthy example of Cold War Japanese naval technology. For further details or to request a demonstration video, please get in touch.

SPECIFICATIONS

Shipping and Duty Information
Dimensions
Height 160 cm
Width 36 cm
Length
Weight 40 kg
Tripod Height
Tripod Floor Spread 100 cm
Origin
Age Vintage
Country Japan
Manufacturer Kowa Co. Ltd.
Year April 1984
Technical
Materials Cast aluminium and bronze

DELIVERY INFO

Shipping and Duty Information

Shipping Information

Free Worldwide shipping on all our binoculars. Delivered by tracked courier.

Estimated Delivery Timescales

Region Delivery Time
UK 3 working days
USA & Canada 5 working days
Europe 5 working days
Rest of World 7 – 10 working days

Import Duty & Tax

Please note that orders delivered outside of the UK will be subject to customs import duties. All imported commercial goods are subject to customs duties and taxes based on their HS Code tariff classification. The importer/customer is responsible for paying the duty & tax. Loomlight is not responsible for these costs. We use DHL or FedEx for worldwide deliveries and they require payment of this tax before they can deliver your order. For further information about import duty & tax to your country please check the courier's website. We are unable to calculate the import tax on your behalf.

RETURNS

Shipping and Duty Information

Returns

If you wish to return a product, please let us know within 14 days of delivery at hello@loomlightdesign.com and we shall organise that with you. Please inspect your order upon receipt and contact us immediately if the item is defective or damaged so that we can resolve the matter.

For a refund, items must be unused, returned in the original packaging and in a re-saleable condition. We will refund the product price only, once we have fully processed the return. Return shipping is at the cost of the customer.

Non-returnable Items

  • - Items that have been customised by the request of the customer.
  • - Items that have been electrically changed in any way by the customer or their contractor.

Find our full return policy here.

  • INDEPENDENT UK BUSINESS
  • WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
  • SECURE TRACKED DELIVERY
  • QUALITY + CONDITION GUARANTEE

You Might Also Like

Quick ShopQuick View
Extra Large Stainless Steel Vintage Searchlight
$1,897.00
Quick ShopQuick View
Vintage Brass Edison LED Ceiling Strip Light
$2,819.00
Quick ShopQuick View
DTS Explosion Proof Wall Sconce
$355.00
    Quick ShopQuick View
    DTS Explosion Proof Wall Sconce (with Shade)
    $374.00
      Quick ShopQuick View
      White Enamel Pendant Light by Killark
      $681.00
      Quick ShopQuick View
      Verdigris Light by VEB Leuchtenbau Wittenberg
      $854.00

      Recently Viewed Products