An interesting set of prismatic binoculars by Dollond awarded by the RNLI to Mr Thomas McMillan in 1912

Binoculars constructed in aluminium and brass with japanned and leatherette finish, the optical train having 8x magnification and 25mm object lenses, central focus, dioptric correction to right hand eye piece, cast bakelite eye cups. The prism boxes engraved “Presented by the Royal National Life-Boat Institution to Mr Thomas McMillan for Saving Life 1912”. Further marked with the maker, “Dollond, London” and serial no. “13440.” Neck strap.

Presented in their original brown leather and velvet lined case, the inner lid with Dollond logogram and Royal Warrant, top carry handle and side mounted strap, buckle closure. Lid top marked “T. McM.”

Condition: Professionally serviced, the optical train cleaned and collimated, the optics clear and clean with an absence of mould marks, objective peripheries with slight deterioration of balsam. The picture bright and sharp within the constraints of the design.

The leather case externally faded with signs of salt, lacking side carry strap guide, the stitching generally perished, some restoration and conservation, remaining structurally sound.

Comments: These in the day would have been considered a fine pair of binoculars, construction and optical qualities evident over 110 years later!

In very collectable condition, there is of course a story attached. The Life Boat Journal of November 1912 records that the award made to Mr Thomas McMillan, then a Dock Works Manager at Methil, for his actions on the 16th January 1912 when 17 crew were rescued from the SS Ashgrove which was wrecked against the Methil Dock sea wall during a mighty storm in from the South East. In the teeth of the storm, apparently the worst ever encountered there, Mr McMillan was one of eight men recognised by the RNLI for venturing onto the parapet of the sea wall, bringing the crew of the foundering ship to safety. Methil is located on the northern shores of the Firth of Forth, Fife, Scotland.

Click HERE to read a more detailed account of the wreck and rescue from the Methil Heritage website.