History of Selsi Binoculars
Selsi binoculars have a long and storied history that traces back to the early 20th century.
These binoculars have established a reputation for reliability and have been a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts engaging in various activities.
It is unfortunate to note that new Selsi binoculars are no longer being manufactured due to the company’s unfortunate bankruptcy.
Despite this setback, it is still worth delving into the history of Selsi binoculars to understand their origins and the changes they have undergone throughout the years.
Origins of Selsi Binoculars
The Sussfeld Lorsch Company, established in 1854, initially operated as an importer of optical products from Europe.
Later, in the late 1800s, the company underwent a name change to Sussfeld, Lorsch, and Schimmel.
However, in 1929, the company underwent another transformation and was officially incorporated as Selsi Company, Inc.
Founder of Selsi Company
The company was established in the early 20th century by a visionary entrepreneur named John Selsi.
With a passion for optics and a desire to create high-quality optical instruments, Selsi set out to establish a company that would leave a lasting impact on the field of binocular manufacturing.
Early Development of Binoculars
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, binocular technology underwent significant advancements.
These developments were driven by the increasing demand for optical instruments that could provide clear and magnified views for various applications, such as astronomy, military operations, and nature observation.
During the 1950s to the 1980s, well-known brands like Selsi, Tasco, Sears, and Bushnell acted primarily as distributors for binoculars manufactured by other companies. In some cases, multiple manufacturers would produce binoculars under a single brand.
Some of the selsi branded binoculars like the Selsi 7×35 binoculars were likely manufactured by Seiwa and distributed under the Selsi brand.
During this time period, the quality of binoculars was not solely determined by the brand name.
Some particular binoculars are labeled as “Selsi Light Weight Coated Optics and were made in Hong Kong or Korea.
You can see some of these binoculars in pristine condition on ebay or exhibitions.
Selsi Binoculars in Historical Event
During World War II, Selsi Binoculars were extensively used by US military
Also in this period , the Selsi Optical Company experienced a remarkable surge in sales as the US military placed substantial orders for their binoculars.
This was a turning point for the company, which already had a strong reputation in the industry. The association with the military not only boosted their sales but also increased the trust and credibility people had in Selsi binoculars.
The influx of orders and the subsequent increase in revenue provided the founder of Selsi with a newfound freedom to explore and innovate.
This was an exciting time for the company, as they had the resources to push boundaries and create something extraordinary.
By the end of the war, Selsi had firmly established itself as a leading player in the industry, leaving their competitors in the dust.
With a rich history of embracing evolving technologies and global markets, Selsi Company, Inc. has successfully navigated the changing landscape of the optical industry.
Following World War II, as the optical market shifted from Europe to the Far East, Selsi was at the forefront, becoming one of the earliest U.S. importers to establish an office in Tokyo.
An Interesting Selsi Dealer catalogue to Learn more about the product offerings from the company- Here
Selsi Binoculars and Cold War
During the Cold War, Selsi Binoculars continued to be employed by military forces, intelligence agencies, and border patrol units. Their exceptional optical capabilities and compact designs made them ideal for surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
Selsi Binoculars were used for monitoring border areas, tracking suspicious activities, and gathering intelligence.
They were also utilized in strategic locations and watchtowers to keep a close eye on sensitive regions.
