What would a pair nippon kogaru model j-87 Nikon 7x15 8 Deg worth?

Answer 1

A Nikon Nippon Kogaku model J-87 binocular, pristine condition, sold at Christies in London in June of 04 for US$195.

I bought a pristine J-87 8x30 8.5 degree with original brown leather case in very good condition, for $235 in 02. I haven't been able to date by serial number. I believe it to be 1971 or earlier production since it has slotted screws. The case also indicates 71 or earlier since it is embossed with the Nippon Kogaku Tokyo trademark. Late enough to have Nikon on the top plate around the left ocular.

The J87 is shorter in length, much lighter in weight, and optically sharper than my Nikon 8x42 binocular purchased new for US$215 in 98. To further credit the J-87 model, the 98 model Nikon was sharper than other Japanese and German brands tried, excepting Leitz.

The J87 is also known as the Featherweight model which listed in the 1972 US Nikon price list for $130.