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Antique & Vintage Telescopes/Opticals Page 1 (FOR SALE) |
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| This is a nice
condition 3 draw leather clad field telescope
by Broadhurst Clarkson, called the 'Tourist'
and was based on the old War Office Signalling model. With a large objective lens of 50mm visible diameter, giving a magnification of 25x it is ideal for stalking or spotting, and produces a sharp, clear image. All lenses are in good undamaged condition, and the telescope also disassembles easily for access to the internal lenses, enabling them to be cleaned in the field. The leather covered tapered main barrel is in good sound condition with all stitching and seams intact, including the protective end caps, which are attached to the shoulder carry strap, although there is some light discolouration on a small part of the cladding. Not only in good cosmetic condition, it's also free from any dents with a smooth draw action, and the draw tubes retain a large majority of their original non reflective coating. Engraved ' Broadhurst Clarkson & Co Ltd, 63 Farringdon Road, London E.C' on the first draw, it measures 10.25" closed, 31.5" open with sunshade extended, a quality telescope weighing just 1.2kg, and a pleasure to use.
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| A vintage 3 draw field telescope
in very good condition, complete with its original stitched leather covering
and end caps, and engraved on the first draw 'The Marksman' J H
Steward Ltd, London. Although this is a relatively slim field telescope with a 40mm objective glass, it delivers a bright sharp image of around 20x magnification. J H Steward still have a strong association with rifle clubs in the UK, and this model was probably designed for use as a target spotting scope. All lenses are in good undamaged condition, and all tubes are dent free, with a draw action which is firm but smooth. The main barrel is leather clad and although there is some staining on the screw on ray shade, the leather work is sound with no gouges, & all stitching is intact. Measuring 32" fully extended with screw on ray shade, 13" closed, and weighing 1.2 kg makes this a super telescope for regular use, particularly on the move.
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A classic single draw
Naval Officer of the Watch telescope, engraved 'CKC Pattern
373 No 439' on the first draw, and also has the Canadian C
military arrow. Measuring 17" closed and 26" fully extended, the powerful 42mm object lens delivers a sharp, clear image of approx 18x , and this telescope is as practical today as when it was first made. Made by the Canadian Kodak Company, and weighing 1.5kgs, these telescopes were specially constructed for Naval use and are very robust, with nickel plated draw tube and fittings. All lenses are in good order and the telescope disassembles for easy access. In good cosmetic condition, the main barrel still has its original leather cladding with only one noticeable thumbnail scuff, and all stitching is unbroken. Although the nickel silver plating has become rubbed along most of the single draw tube, it still has a smooth draw action, and all tubes are free from any significant dents.
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| A fine example of a WW1 period,
single draw Officer of the Watch Naval
telescope signed, ROSS, 378, KO3' on the first draw along
with the war department military arrow. Of nickel plated brass construction with a stitched leather cladding on the main barrel, it's in excellent condition throughout, and free from any dents. The undamaged lenses deliver a powerful clear image of approximately 18x magnification, and are protected by a leather end cap for the main lens, and a swivel dust cover for the eyepiece end. All the stitching is intact on the rich brown leather cladding, and it measures 25" fully extended including sunshade, 18" closed, with an objective lens of 30mm visible diameter. A genuine Ross classic telescope in full working order for all naval and marine collectors.
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A rare example
of a single draw Officer of the Watch Naval
telescope signed, 'HEATH & Co Ltd, Makers to the Royal Navy,
CRAYFORD, LONDON, 2927'.
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| A medium size
19th century 3 draw leather clad marine telescope with
clear undamaged lenses. Measuring 8.5" closed and 26.5" fully extended, with an objective lens visible diameter of 35mm, this is a compact telescope almost identical in design to the larger versions of this era, but it also delivers a clear powerful image (approx 15x) for its size. In good condition, the brass has a nice patina with a firm action on the draw tubes, and there is a sliding sun/dew hood. The main lens is protected by its original brass end cap, and the eyepiece has a swivel dust cover. There is some deformity of the main lens brass holder (see photos) but this doesn't affect the performance or operation of the telescope, and all internal lenses can be accessed for cleaning. Dating to around 1880 it's unsigned, but clearly a quality piece in good working condition.
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| A fine example of a specially made
3 draw leather clad tapered barrel spotting telescope by
Broadhurst Clarkson. Made to virtually the same specifications as the Tel Sig series used by British Army Signalling regiments during WW1, this particular telescope was produced for the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs sometime during the 1930's, but lighter in weight at 1.4kgs including the extra eyepiece. Engraved 'Made by Broadhurst Clarkson & Co London, for The Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs' on the first draw, it's in very good condition, the draw tubes retaining most of their non reflective gunmetal coating, and the leatherwork is undamaged with all stitching intact. It comes with interchangeable eyepiece lenses one marked HIGH and the other LOW, & the lens not in use is attached to the carrying strap in its own leather case, ready to be changed when out in the field. Measuring 32" extended, 10.5" closed, the 50mm visible objective glass delivers a bright sharp image of around 30x on high and 15-20x on low. The society changed into todays National Small-bore Rifle Association in November 1947, so this is not only a practical telescope, ideal for every day use, but a rare find for rifle club enthusiasts.
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| A fine example of single draw,
Officer of the Watch naval telescope signed, H.
HUGHES & SON LTD, LONDON EC3, 13/297/515. Of nickel silver construction with stitched leather cladding on the main barrel, there is a swivel dust shield for the eyepiece and the objective lens has a leather cap for protection. Generally in good condition throughout, the draw tube does have some tarnishing, with some rubbing on the nickel plating in places, but there are no dents or dings, and the undamaged lenses deliver a powerful clear image of approximately 20x magnification. All stitching is intact on the brown leather work, and it measures 25" fully extended including sunshade, 17" closed. With an objective lens of 40mm in diameter and weighing just under 900 grams, it's a larger model than most other Officer of the Watch telescopes, and in full working order.
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Scout Regiment telescopes
are becoming increasingly difficult to find in acceptable condition, but
this particular example is in good order, and made by Broadhurst
Clarkson, its a 3 draw scope with a 22x magnification,
engraved 'TEL. SCT. REGT. MK. II s, B.C Ltd & CO,
17203, O.S. 126. GA. ' on the first draw, it also has the military
arrow.
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| Telescopes by Dollond are always
of keen interest to collectors, and this single draw
Officer of the Watch telescope engraved on the
draw tube 'DOLLOND LONDON ' is a fine example. There are no military arrows on the scope, so it was probably a private purchase from a Naval outfitters. The cosmetic condition, as can be seen from the photos is particularly good, the main barrel being covered in its original dark tan leather stitched cladding, and the dent free draw tube and fittings are nickel silver plated. The image is very clear and sharp, with a magnification of around 18x through its 31mm objective lens, which is protected by a removable leather end cap, and all lenses including internal ones are free from any damage. A classic Naval style telescope from the first quarter of the 20th century by the best known of telescope makers, it measures 18" closed, 25.5" fully extended with sliding sun shade.
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This large 4 draw ships telescope
dates to around 1880 and has has four draw sections
extending to an impressive 36"
and 10" closed, weighing just over 1kg.
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| This is a quite unique early 20th century
6 draw pocket telescope by J H Steward. Its engraved "The 'Naturalist' J H Steward Ltd, 406 Strand London", which suggests it was made specifically for nature watchers such as ornithologists in the field. Measuring only 4" (100mm) closed, the six draws extend to 17" (425mm) making it the ideal accessory for bird spotting on the move. Dating to the first quarter of the 20th century, the cosmetic condition is excellent, having its original leather cladding which is also in fine order with the seam stitching intact. Completely free of any dents, the draw action is smooth yet still firm, and it has a nice even patination on the brass showing it's in original uncleaned condition. The optics are in good condition and protected by a brass end cap for the 25mm visible diameter objective lens, with a swivel dust slide to the eyepiece. The image is really clear & sharp, and focuses easily to a magnification of aproximately 15x. A compact yet powerful little telescope, not only great to use, but a fine example of a type that really does not come along very often.
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A classic single draw
Royal Navy Officer of the Watch telescope engraved 'Pattern
373, ROSS LONDON, No 86820, NPL 42, NPL 45.' The 40mm objective lens delivers a really sharp, clear image of approx 18x, and is free from any damage. Ross were renowned for the quality of their telescopes, and it also has the National Physical Laboratory testing logo for the years 1942 and 1945. These telescopes were specially constructed for Naval use and are very robust, the condition being very good all round, and free from any dents. The main barrel is clad in a textured black resin finish for durability and better grip in wet weather, which is complete with no bare patches. This particular model also has a diopter ring for pre focusing, and measures, 14.5" closed 25.5" fully extended with sliding hood. A great telescope for display or every day use weighing just over 900 grams..
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| This is a superb, condition 3
draw leather clad field telescope by Negretti & Zambra,
which appears to have had very little use, retaining all
of its non reflective coating on the 3 draw tubes. A telescope ideal for stalking or spotting, it is optically sound with a 45mm visible diameter objective lens producing a crystal clear image to a magnification of 25x. The telescope is completely dent free, with a leather covered main barrel and all stitching and seams are intact, including the protective end caps. The eyepiece is further protected by an integral swivel dust cover. As can be seen from the photos, this telescope is virtually like new, and has the initials S.B.A. professionally embossed on the leather cladding, which I think may stand for the Small Bore rifle Association or similar. Engraved ' X25 "Tourist" 13/4", Negretti & Zambra, London, No. 727478'' on the first draw, it measures 10 1/4" closed, 32" open with sunshade extended, a quality telescope weighing just over 1.1 kg, in outstanding cosmetic condition.
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| This is a powerful, high quality 3 draw leather
clad tapered barrel field telescope by Newbold & Bulford, and is engraved
'Field (M/C) 25X, Newbold & Bulford Ltd, LONDON, Made in England'
on the first draw. Measuring 31.5" extended, 10.5" closed, the 50mm objective glass delivers a sharp quality image of 25x magnification and focuses from around 10metres to infinity, with all lenses in good undamaged condition. It comes with a separate hard leather carry case which is generally in good condition, and although missing one of its fastening straps, the top section still stays firmly in place whilst being carried. The telescope is further protected with a brass end cap for the main lens and an integral dust slide in the eyepiece, all tubes and main barrel are dent free. Weighing just over 1.4 kgs, and 1.9kgs with its case, this is a substantial telescope in great cosmetic condition which produces a first class image. Overseas buyers please note: due to the packed weight being over 2kgs, delivery may be by courier and therefore it is important that a contact telephone number be entered through the shopping cart at checkout stage.
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| Here is a fine example of a variable
power telescope by T Cooke & Sons of York. A great telescope, combining medium size and low weight with exceptional power, by the use of a six stage push fit pancratic tube giving 25x, 30x, 35x, 40x, 45x, 50x, magnifications, yet measuring only 29" extended and 8.25" closed. A powerful but compact 3draw field telescope ideal for use on the move, weighing in at under 700 grams, and an objective lens of 40mm in diameter. As can be seen from the photos, the condition is very good all round, with all the stitching on the leather cladding intact, and the nickel plated draw tubes still retain a smooth yet firm draw action. All lenses are in fine order, giving a clear and sharp image, and there is also a separate press fit cover to protect the objective lens, the eyepiece cup has a swivel dust cover. I've used the telescope myself on several occasions, and its a pleasure to use!
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| An excellent condition
3 draw leather clad tapered barrel field telescope by J H Steward.
This particular telescope is engraved 'Quick Focus 22/100 Spotter,
J H Steward Ltd, LONDON, Made in England' Measuring 31" extended, 11" closed, the 50mm objective glass delivers a bright sharp image of approximately 25x and focuses from around 10metres to infinity. It also has a unique twist eyepiece for quick focusing, hence its name. All lenses are in good undamaged condition, and the leatherwork is also in fine order, including the protective end caps with all stitching intact Originally made for use as a target spotting scope by rifle clubs, it's ideal for every day use, with all the attributes of a good stalking telescope, and weighing just under 1.7kgs.
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| This is an early field telescope
by Aitchison who later merged with Dollond to become todays high street
opticians Dollond & Aitchison. Dating to the 1920's its in remarkably
good condition, both optically & cosmetic. Engraved Aitchison London, 'THE TARGET', No 5655 it's a 3 draw telescope but fitted with an additional pull out pancratic draw tube, enabling the magnification power to be increased at will from 25x to 40x in 4 stages of 5x. This is a great advantage as objects not clearly seen can be readily observed with the 40x setting. The body is of a tapered barrel design covered in stitched black leather, with matching protective leather end caps and shoulder carry strap, all in excellent condition, no broken stitching or tears. Measuring 10.5" closed, 34" fully drawn with sunshade extended, the large object glass has a visible diameter of 55mm. which delivers a sharp clear image. The eyepiece lens is further protected by an integral swivel dust cover. The telescope, is fully functional with clear undamaged lenses, and dent free tubes which have a smooth but firm draw action. It weighs just under 1.2kgs and is a great telescope to use for spotting or stalking.
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| This is an excellent
condition 3 draw leather clad field telescope by Dollond
London, which appears to have had very little use, retaining all
of its non reflective coating on the 3 draw tubes. This particular model
has a magification of 25x , which is is ideal for stalking
or spotting, being optically sound with a 42mm visible
diameter objective lens producing a clear & sharp image. The telescope is completely dent free and the draw tubes have a smooth yet firm draw action, with no wobble. The leather covered main barrel is in superb condition with all its stitching intact, including the protective end caps and leather shoulder strap. Engraved 'Dollond London, x25' on the first draw, it measures 10 1/4" closed, 31" open with sunshade extended, a quality telescope weighing just under 1.1 kg, and great to use.
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| A superb example
of a turn of the century Coast Guard telescope engraved
'CARY. LONDON 93202'. A single draw design made from nickel silver brass, this is a powerful telescope, probably in excess of 40x magnification and the 55mm objective lens delivers one of the sharpest images I've seen from a telescope of this period, and is a joy to use. In very good condition all round, the stitched leather cladding and matching end caps are virtually scuff free, although the leather carry strap appears to be a replacement, but is still sturdy enough to do the job. This is a telescope of impressive proportions, measuring 35" fully extended, 29" closed, and weighing just over 2kgs. The eyepiece also has an internal swivel dust cover, and the rayshade is of the screw on type, all tubes are dent free. Coast Guard telescopes in such good condition are rare, and its a testament to their quality & performance, that a small number from this era are still in use today by some UK Coast Guards.
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| A Vintage 2 draw field
telescope, complete with its original leather covering and protective leather
end caps, all in superb condition. Engraved on the first draw '
Coppock, London, 20x' which I believe refers to J T Coppock a London
maker, it probably dates to the 1950's. In excellent condition all round with dent free tubes which still retain all their original anti glare coating, the 35mm object lens delivers a quality image of 20x magnification. One minor blemish is a small edge chip on one of the internal eyepiece lenses, but I would stress this in no way affects the image or clarity which is pin sharp & very clear. The eyepiece cup has an integral swivel dust cover and the leather cladding is in excellent condition with all stitching intact. Measuring 24" fully extended with ray shade, 10" closed, and weighing 900 grams, a good compact telescope for use on the move, and easy on the arms!
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| This is a fine example of a single
draw Officer of the Watch telescope made for naval use,
and engraved 'Kelvin Hughes 419, Made in Great Britain.' Kelvin Hughes was created by the merger of the famous instrument makers Henry Hughes & Son with Kelvin Bottomley & Baird in 1947, and the company still operates today as Kelvin Hughes, but as part of the Smiths Group plc. Dating to the late 1950's, the main barrel is covered in its original dark tan leather stitched cladding, and the draw tube and fittings are nickel silver plated, all of which are in excellent dent free cosmetic condition. All lenses are in good undamaged condition, giving a very clear and sharp image, with a magnification of around 20x through its 32mm objective lens, which is protected by a leather end cap. A classic style telescope in great condition and fully functional, it measures 18" closed and just under 26" fully extended with sliding sun shade.
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| This
is a superb single draw Naval Officer of the Watch telescope
engraved on the draw tube 'LILLEY & REYNOLDS
Ltd, LONDON E.C.3' who were long standing instrument makers to
the Admiralty, and originally established in 1880. The condition is really exceptional as can be seen from the photos, the main barrel being covered in its original light tan leather stitched cladding, and the dent free draw tube and fittings are German nickel silver plated. The image is very clear and sharp, with a magnification of around 20x through its 31mm objective lens, which is protected by a leather end cap, and an integral swivel dust cover for the eyepiece, all lenses including internal ones are free from any damage. A classic Naval style telescope from the first half of the 20th century, it measures 18" closed, 25.5" fully extended with sliding sun shade.
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| This is a classic
English single draw ships telescope engraved 'NEGRETTI
& ZAMBRA LONDON', on the first draw. Dating to the latter part of the 19th century, this telescope is not only visually impressive with its German nickel silver draw tube & fittings, but also delivers a sharp, clear image of approximately 20x magnification through the 40mm objective lens. It features a long tapering leather clad barrel which is still in good sound condition, and is a typical naval telescope which would have been used for general observations or reading signals between ships. The overall cosmetic condition is very good, and the sliding draw has a smooth draw action with no dents. All lenses are in good order, although there is some minor separation of the clear balsaam in the objective lens doublet, but this is only cosmetic and in no way affects the image which really is crystal clear. Dimensions, 25" closed, 33" fully extended with sliding sun shade, also has an internal swivel dust cover on the eyepiece, which is a later replacement. A fully working single draw naval telescope that is as practical today as when it was first made, weighs just under 1kg.
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A classic WW2
single draw Naval Officer of the Watch telescope, engraved
'W.OTTWAY & Co Ltd EALING, LONDON. 1941 No 2508 NPL 41. PATT.
373 No 1193' on the first draw. Ottway were renowned for the quality of their telescopes, with each component numbered to the instrument. Along with the war department crowsfoot symbol, it also has the National Physical Laboratory testing logo for the year 1941. The condition is excellent all round, and although the leather cladding appears to be a later replacement, it's well stitched and in keeping with the style of the telescope. Measuring 16.5" closed and 24" fully extended with sliding ray shade, the powerful 40mm object lens delivers a really sharp, clear image of approx 18x , and this telescope is as practical today as when it was first made. These telescopes were specially constructed for Naval use and are very robust, with nickel plated draw tube and fittings, and a swivel dust cover to protect the eyepiece.
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A fine example of a
3 draw Signalling telescope made by Dollond
and engraved on first draw tube, "SIGNALLING"
DOLLOND LONDON No 12043, it comes with its original two
interchangeable lenses marked HIGH & LOW,
which equate to approx 30x & 15x
respectively.
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A super example
of a traditional 3 draw leather clad brass Naval general
observation telescope, circa 1870 by W
F Archer, an instrument maker working in Liverpool during the second
half of the 19th century, and the first draw is engraved 'W.F.Archer,
43 Lord St, Liverpool'. It measures 34" fully extended with sun shade, 11" closed, and sliding shutters at each end protect the 40mm objective lens and eyepiece. An antique telescope in very good condition all round, the brass draw tubes are in good order with no dents and still retain a smooth action, the leather cladding is also in good order. Optically very good, all lenses are undamaged, producing a clear high quality image of around 20x magnification. Suitable for either display or regular use, it's not often that one finds these telescopes in such good condition.
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| Early 19th century telescopes
are becoming increasingly difficult to find in good original condition,
particularly bearing the name of any important makers. This particular telescope
fits the bill perfectly, having been made around 1810 by
William & Samuel Jones at 30 Holborn London,
and engraved as such in copperplate script on the first draw. Made for marine use, it has a mahogany barrel with three brass draw tubes, and still has its original green tint objective lens which is 45mm in diameter. All lenses are free from any chips, and the image is quite sharp, albeit with the distinctive green tint which was intended to reduce reflected glare from the sea. It is in very good cosmetic condition all round , with dent free tubes, measuring 29" fully extended and closes down to just over 9". A fine example of a genuine antique telescope which will continue to increase in value.
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A superb example
of a 2 draw mahogany & brass Naval telescope, circa
1830 - 1840, signed 'Richardson London, Day or
Night'. There were a number of makers by the name of Richardson,
working in London during the early 19th century, and its difficult to pinpoint
the actual one, but I believe this may be George Richardson who was active
around this time. It measures an impressive 38" fully extended with sun shade, 15" closed, and sliding shutters at each end protect the 40mm objective lens and eyepiece. An antique telescope in very good, clean condition all round, the brass draw tubes are in good order with no visible dents and still retain a firm action, the mahogany barrel is also in very good cosmetic condition. Optically very good, all lenses are undamaged, producing a clear image to around 20x magnification. A stylish telescope of a classic design, great for display or regular use!
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| An unusually compact yet powerful
4 draw field telescope in great condition, complete with
its original leather covering and end caps. Engraved on the eyepiece flange
' H J Redding & Co, Opticians, 3 Argyll Place London, W, Trade
Mark Luzo' The optics are in very good order, and the 38mm objective glass delivers a bright sharp image of 22x magnification. The general condition is excellent throughout, the draw tubes are dent free, and still retain all of their original black finish for avoiding reflective glare when used in field stalking. The leatherwork is also in good condition, with all stitching intact. Measuring 25" fully extended with ray shade, 7" closed, and weighing under 700 gms, a nice light field telescope, yet with the same power as some of its larger counterparts.
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| 19th century 3 draw medium
size telescope signed 'Blackham W.Hampton' on the protective
brass cover. The optics are in fine condition and protected by lens end
cap with dust slide to the eyepiece, image is clear & sharp. Leather
cladding incorporates original strap loops and is in great condition, as
are the brass tubes which have no dents. It measures 8"
closed and 23" extended, with an objective lens diameter
of 40mm. Footnote: The main photo image of this telescope was featured on BBC1's Bargain Hunt show, in one of the episodes at Burghley House, to illustrate a story where the presenter describes how the resident of the house paid for a painting with a telescope.
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This is a large Day or Night single draw marine telescope by Crichton London, and dates to around 1830. Of impressive proportions, it measures 38" with sliding hood extended, 20" closed, and has good, clear undamaged optics. As with all Day or Night telescopes, the objective glass is relatively large in order to gather the maximum amount of light to enable viewing in darker conditions. Both the eyepiece & objective glass are protected by sliding shutters, and the main barrel is oak with some age staining, but no splits or heavy gouges. This is an early telescope by a quality maker, in unusually good condition.
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A fine 3 draw Naval telescope from one of the exceptional makers of the 19th century, Spencer Browning & Co, who succeeded Spencer Browning & Rust. They specialised in instruments for navigational use, and there are now relatively few telescopes to be found by Spencer Browning. This one dates to around 1855, and although not pristine, has survived in better than average condition. The leather cladding is complete, with only some scuffing, the brass tubes have only minor dints and optically it is remarkably clear & sharp with no lens damage. Telescopes by this maker were of the highest standard for the period, and this is no exception. In full working order, includes eyepiece swivel dust cover, it measures 10" closed & 28.5" extended, objective lens 40mm diameter.
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An exceptional two draw leather clad field
telescope signed Troughton & Simms, London in fancy
script.
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Superb single draw marine telescope
signed 'Dollond London, Day or Night' in copperplate script.
The day or night type of telescope was made from around 1830, and this style
of telescope is probably from around 1840. This is an impressive marine
telescope, measuring 39" fully extended with sliding sunshade, and
20" closed. The 1.75" objective lens has a protective brass end
cap, and the eyepiece is fitted with a swivel shutter. The condition is
excellent all round including the rosewood barrel which has no splits or
gouges, and the optics are clear with no damage. Another fine example from
Dollond.
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