Last Soviet border guard binoculars now available in America; primary offering to U.S. audience.

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 1996--The last 50 giant observation binoculars, identical to those installed at border guard stations throughout the Iron Curtain, are being offered to view home owners, collectors and astronomers in America by Sovietski Collection, a direct importer of unique Soviet military memorabilia (http://www.sovietski.com).

The massive, 15-power binoculars have giant 110 mm (4.4") diameter objective lenses, a perfectly round exit pupil, phenomenal edge to edge image definition and outstanding color fidelity. The field of view is a staggering 6 degrees (about 100 yards at 1,000 yards.)

The binoculars are brand new and unissued, weigh 43 pounds and measure 15"x23"x16". Produced to "mil spec" at Siberia's top-secret Novosibirsk Military Optical Factory, each unit is individually serial numbered and comes complete with original Russian factory documentation.

The binoculars revolve a full 360 degrees (horizontally) and more than 95 degrees (from -35 degrees to +60 degrees) vertically (to view incoming aircraft) and are designed to operate flawlessly in a wide range of temperatures (-58 degrees F to +122 degrees F).

The binoculars have many wonderful features, including oversized individual focusing diopters, reticle scales with rangefinder, interpupillary adjustment, slide-out sun shades, objective and ocular lens covers and a top headrest.

The binoculars are water tight (special silicon gel desiccant capsules inside the optics absorb moisture and allow the binoculars to be used in humidities up to 100 percent). They come packaged in a handsome, wooden carrying case with a variety of handy filters, small tools and a canvas backpack.

A handsome, lacquered wooden full-height tripod is also included. Total shipping weight in case, with tripod, is about 100 pounds.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire an extraordinary piece of history that you can use for many years," said Mitch Siegler, president of Sovietski Collection.

"The observation binoculars are a wonderful Cold War collectible and the perfect addition to a fine ocean- or mountain-view home, penthouse view apartment, high-rise office or hunting lodge and are a great `comet catcher' for astronomers. They are also a functional tool for lifeguards, law enforcement, land management agencies and ranchers," Siegler said.

The observation binoculars have a list price of $3,495 but are being offered for a limited time by Sovietski Collection at a special introductory price of only $2,750, including tripod and warranty until the year 2,000. The binoculars are also sold subject to a 10-day money-back satisfaction guaranty.

Sovietski Collection is a leading direct importer of unusual optics, timepieces and collectibles. To order the Soviet border guard observation binoculars or for a free catalogue of other Sovietski Collection products, please call 800/442-0002 or 619/294-2000; fax [phone]. Dealer inquiries are welcome. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Photo transparencies are available upon request.

CONTACT: Sovietski Collection, San Diego 

Mitch Siegler, 800/442-0002