Empire Binoculars Appraisal

Jason Empire 7x25 Binoculars (Model 234, Graphite)

The item is a pair of compact Jason Empire binoculars, specifically identified as Model 234 'Graphite' and listed as 'Empire 7 x 25'. The binoculars feature a black body with a textured, probably rubberized, outer casing designed for grip. The general construction appears robust, typical of binoculars intended for outdoor or general observation use. 'Jason' is prominently displayed on the left prism housing, along with 'GRAPHITE' and 'Model 234'. On the right prism housing, 'Empire 7 x 25' is visible, followed by 'Field 378ft at 1000yds', 'Fully Coated Optics', and 'Jason Empire'. The primary focusing mechanism is a ribbed, central wheel with a purple 'J' logo, indicating the Jason brand. The eyepieces are adjustable, likely for individual diopter correction on the right eyepiece, marked with a numbered scale. A black woven fabric neck strap is attached to the binoculars. A black protective carrying case, partially visible, has 'Jason' stitched in orange on a brown-orange patch. The binoculars exhibit some minor surface wear consistent with use, such as light scuffs on the textured body, but no major damage or breakage is immediately apparent. The lenses appear to be intact, though their cleanliness or internal condition cannot be fully assessed from the image. The 'Fully Coated Optics' designation suggests a decent level of optical quality for minimizing reflections and improving light transmission. The compact size and 7x25 specification indicate they are suitable for general-purpose viewing where portability is important, such as birdwatching, sporting events, or travel. Based on the styling and 'Fully Coated Optics' terminology, these binoculars likely date from the mid-to-late 20th century, possibly the 1970s or 1980s.