ЗОМЗ БПВ1 7×50 Soviet Waterproof Binoculars with Case & Caps

The 7×50 configuration has a specific logic: seven-power magnification paired with a 50 mm objective produces an exit pupil of just over 7 mm — nearly the full dilation of the human eye in darkness. That math made it the dominant specification for naval and maritime optics worldwide from World War II onward, and Soviet optical engineers at ЗОМЗ (Zagorsky Optical-Mechanical Plant) understood it precisely. These БПВ1 binoculars — the designation expands to Бинокль Призменный Водонепроницаемый, Prismatic Binocular Waterproof, Type 1 — were built to a sealed, gasket-fitted standard for all-weather and maritime field use. The right prism cover carries the full model callout: БПВ1 7×50, ГОСТ 5.23-71, and the hexagonal СССР state quality seal. Serial N7229160 is stamped at the central hinge pivot.

Focusing is through a knurled central wheel with a graduated diopter dial scaled 50–70; the textured leatherette barrel wraps are intact on both tubes. ГОСТ 5.23-71 places the governing standard in 1971, and the serial range is consistent with early-to-mid 1970s production — the height of ЗОМЗ's output for Soviet naval and export markets. The lot is complete: a hard black leather carry case with metal swing-latch and leather shoulder strap, and two pairs of slip-on lens caps — one set fitted with amber filter inserts for glare reduction and contrast in haze or low-light conditions, one set with open centers for standard use. The case interior carries a pen inscription reading "G. HARRIS," indicating personal civilian or export ownership at some point in the instrument's history.

CONDITION

Good and fully functional. The bodies show scratches, finish wear and loss, and spots of rust and oxidation most notable at the prism cover edges near the ЗОМЗ mark. The leather case has surface scuffing, finish flaking, and pen writing inside; the metal latch and leather strap are intact and operational.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Model: БПВ1 7×50
• Standard: ГОСТ 5.23-71
• Maker: ЗОМЗ (Zagorsky Optical-Mechanical Plant), Made in USSR
• Magnification / Aperture: 7× / 50 mm
• Prism Type: Porro
• Construction: Waterproof / sealed (БПВ = Бинокль Призменный Водонепроницаемый)
• Serial: N7229160
• Case: 8 1/4" × 8 1/4" × 3"
• Includes: Leather carry case, leather neck strap, two pairs slip-on lens caps (one set amber-filtered, one set open-center)