Bausch and Lomb are one of the oldest firms in America

Bausch and Lomb are probably the most well known of the American binocular makers with their origins going back to the 1850s.

They were formed out of the partnership of John Jacob Bausch and Henry Lomb, both of whom were of German origin.

In the 1870s they started to manufacture in Rochester, and are still there,

Bausch and Lomb began producing binoculars in the early 1890s.

The picture shows a later model - Zephyr Light, c.1950s. They are described in a 1948 catalogue as - Lightest in weight and most compact, recommended for the race track, football, and other sports.

Bausch & Lomb binoculars on sale from a 1948 catalogue.-

C.F.-Central Focusing Eyepieces I.F.- Individual Focusing Eyepieces.

Companion Field Glass 4x38. Balar Field Glass 3x?. Sport Glass 2x27 Binocular C.F. 6x30. Binocular I.F. 6x30. Zephyr-Light Binocular C.F. 6x30. Army & Navy Officers Binocular I.F. 6x30. Binocular C.F. 7x35. Binocular I.F. 7x35. Zephyr-Light Binocular C.F. 7x35. Army & Navy Officers Binocular I.F. 7x35. Binocular I.F. 7x50 Binocular C.F. 8x30. Binocular I.F. 8x30. Army & Navy Officers Binocular I.F. 8x30. Zephyr-Light Binocular C.F. 8x30. Binocular C.F. 8x40. Binocular I.F. 8x40. Binocular C.F. 9x35. Binocular I.F. 9x35. Zephyr-Light Binocular C.F. 9x35. Binocular I.F. 10x50.

Uses as at 1948.-

Nature Study 7x35. Traveling 7x35. Spectator Sports 6x30. Bird Study 7x35. Hunting- Mountain 9x35. Prairie 9x35. Wooded Areas 6x30. Deer 7x35. Mountain Goats 9x35. Coyotes 9x35. Big Game 8x30. Wildfowl 7x35 Vermin 7x35. Exploration 7x50. Navigation 7x50. Yachting 7x35. Race Track 7x35 Forest Ranger 7x35. Control Tower Airport 7x35. Air Plane 6x30. Field Trials 7x35. General Use 7x35. Mountain Climbing 9x35. Night Use 7x50.

This is from another Sales Brochure C.1920.

Jarl 6 x 25. Jack 6 x 30. Jar 8 x 25. Jank 8 x 30.

Quote - The two 6-Power glasses are admirably adapted for Bird and Nature Study, for Hunting and use at Sporting Events, because of the greater field of view possible with the lower power. This is particularly true of the 6-Power, 30mm model which, with its remarkable field and illumination, makes an ideal Night Glass, for use in the dusk, the woods or on cloudy days. The two 8-Power models, because of their higher magnification, are very suitable for Tourist Use.

Bausch and Lomb