1920s Zeiss Jena Teleater 3x Binoculars in Monogrammed Leather Case by C.W. Dixey, London

For the adventurer … an impressive pair of 1920s Jena Teleater 3x binoculars by Carl Zeiss, housed in their original leather case, monogrammed “L.W.” and embossed with the owner’s London address of 56 Cadogan Square.  Inside the case is the stamp of C.W. Dixey & Son, Optician to the King, of 3 New Bond Street.  The address and initials point to the family of Sir Thomas Courtenay Warner (1857-1934), MP and 1st Baronet, making these binoculars an extraordinary memento of 1920s London society.

Founded in Jena, Germany in 1846, Carl Zeiss quickly established itself as a leader in optical engineering—producing lenses, microscopes, and field glasses.  The compact Teleater model, introduced in 1907, was designed for travelers and spectators who valued portability without sacrificing performance.  The leather case in this example suggests that our pair were more likely used at sporting events and other outdoor venues rather than at the opera.  Early Teleater models with intact retailer cases, monogramming, and provenance are increasingly rare, and highly collectible.

C.W. Dixey & Son, established in 1777, is one of the world’s most prestigious optical retailers, providing eyewear to royalty, statesmen, and discerning customers including Winston Churchill, Napoleon Bonaparte, and James Bond creator Ian Fleming.  The company holds a Royal Warrant to this day, more than two centuries after its founding.

56 Cadogan Square was, and is, among the most expensive and fashionable residential addresses in London.  Census records show the Warner family were resident at #56 as early as 1901.  We believe the original owner of our binoculars to be Sir Thomas’ daughter, Leucha Mary (1884–1960), who studied Oriental languages and, in 1933, became one of the few British women of the era to earn a civilian pilot’s license. This set, more utilitarian than decorative, would have suited her interests and adventurous spirit.

Dimensions: (Case) 4-3/16” x 3-1/4” x 2-1/4”
Dimensions: (Binoculars) 3/38” x 2-1/2” x 1-1/2”
Weight: 12.7 oz.

Condition notes: Very good antique condition overall. Leather case shows general wear consistent with age, including scuffs, surface marks, light scratching, and a shallow indentation on the top front-left corner (see photos), but all buckles, straps, and the rear hinge are intact and function as intended. Stitching remains strong and even. Case retains its original 48-inch leather shoulder strap, showing typical surface cracking and wear but remaining structurally sound with its original buckle intact and functional.  Case lid is monogrammed "L.W." with the embossed address "56 Cadogan Square, London S.W." on the base.  The velvet-lined interior bears a gold stamp reading: "C.W. DIXEY & SON, OPTICIANS TO THE KING, 3 NEW BOND ST., LONDON.”

Binoculars appear fully functional, with center and right-eye adjustment dials operating smoothly as intended. Lenses appear clear, though not tested for optical precision. Wear includes some loss to finish on the top bridge but otherwise glasses appear in very good condition. The left side is marked "CARL ZEISS, JENA" and the right side "TELEATER, 355008, 3X."  On the top outer rim of the eyepiece housing is engraved "DIXEY & SON” and “3 NEW BOND STREET."  Other items in photos not included.

Unless noted, all items are hand-wrapped and gift-boxed. We offer flat rate shipping via USPS Ground Advantage for $10, or USPS Priority Mail for $15. Orders over $100 ship free via USPS Priority Mail — any shipping charges for orders over $100 will be refunded after checkout. We pack with safety and care using recycled and recyclable materials whenever possible.

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