21.82 EARLY ENGLISH TELESCOPE. Excellent first half of the 19th century English sea captain's 2-draw telescope. This all brass telescope has state-of-the art optics for its time which produce a very clear highly magnified upright image with no chromatic distortion. This is due to the fact that it employs the two-piece objective lens which Dollond patented in1751. All optics are original and perfect. The brass main barrel is meticulously wrapped in a fine woven covering indicative of sailors' ropework. It is complete with both early dust slides on both the ocular and objective ends, and extends to 37 inches with sun shade. It measures 16 inches long closed. Fine original condition. This telescope produces an amazing image! 695

21.82  VERY EARLY TELESCOPE.  Extremely rare 17th century or very, very early 18th century mariner’s 2-draw telescope, probably of Italian manufacture.  This functional, lightweight telescope was cleverly made using vellum and horn to effectively minimize its weight providing the user with a manageable looking glass in a heavy seaway as often encountered aboard ship.  It is in a remarkable state of original preservation considering its 300 plus years.  There is virtually no wear or losses and all optics are original.  Those optics produce a clear upright image of surprisingly good magnification.  Scribe lines on the two draws indicate the proper setting for infinity.  As set, the telescope measures 26 inches long.  When fully closed it is 13 ¼ inches.  The main barrel is 1 ¾ inches in diameter.  Of particular note is the fact that this early telescope comes complete with its original hand-stitched leather carrying pouch which has undoubtedly contributed to its near pristine condition over the years.  1495

Leonardo Semitecolo of Venice, produced a large number of similar telescopes in the 1700’s, many  of which we have handled in our tenure.  However this telescope, owing to the extensive use of horn in the fittings, the unique textured vellum covering and the unusual optical arrangement of lenses, appears to be much earlier.

21.81 CAPTAIN’s SPYGLASS.  Finest quality, turn-of-the last century single draw tapered mariner’s telescope.  This classic, single draw “spyglass” has a long barrel covered in rich leather.  The original 2 inch diameter objective lens is of the doublet, achromatic type.  Along with the original four internal lenses it produces a highly magnified upright image of amazing clarity.  The draw is signed in block letters “<HEZZANTH> HEATH & CO. LONDON. S.E.9.”  This telescope is complete with its original objective lens cap and pivoting ocular dust slide.  The telescoping sun shade functions with a smooth tight action as does the draw for focusing.  32 ½ inches long fully extended.  2 feet closed.  The main barrel is 23 inches long.  Outstanding original condition showing good age and careful use by its Captain owner.  795

The firm of Heath & Company, Ltd. 2 Tower Royal, Cannon Street, London was established in 1845.  By 1910 it was still in business under the trade mark “Hezzanith.” (M. V. Brewington, “The Peabody Museum Collection of Navigating Instruments,” 1963. Peabody Museum, Salem, Massachusetts.)

21.80  MULTI-DRAW TELESCOPE.  Extremely rare, second quarter of the 19th century English telescope comprising an amazing 10 draws!  This fine quality optical instrument is signed in script “L. Pedrone, 57 Lord Street, Liverpool.”  It is further engraved with instructions, “To adjust by sliding in the second draw.”  All brass, this telescope is complete with its ocular dust slide and objective lens cap.  Closed it measures 5 ¾ inches long, and extends to a remarkable 33 inches with a smooth, tight action!  All optical elements are original and in perfect condition, providing a sharp upright image of high magnification and great clarity.  The achromatic doublet objective lens is 1 ¾ inches in diameter.  Outstanding original condition in all respects.   In testament to the precision quality of this high grade instrument, there is no sagging or play in the draws when extended.  One of the finest early telescopes we have had the pleasure of offering.  Circa 1840. 

Louis Pedrone was listed in the Liverpool directories as a Jeweler, Optician, Mathematical Instrument Maker, Watch Maker and Silversmith.  He worked from 1835 to 1864 and is known to have sold barometers, hygrometers, spirits levels, telescopes and thermometers.  (Gloria Clifton, “Dictionary of British Scientific Instrument Makers” 1550-1851, 1995, The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, England).

21.79  STEREO VIEWER.  Extra fancy Victorian era stereo viewer and magnifier.  This beautiful, high quality optical instrument is as decorative as it is functional.  It consists of three-tiers of ebonized hardwood profusely engraved with floral decorations embellish in gold.  On the top front is a large monocular lens for viewing photographs in detail.  Below it a pair of oculars are for viewing stereo cards.   A height-adjustable pierced wooden support mounted on two brass rods is provided for holding a card or photo.  It is also adjustable for depth, sliding back and forward in grooves on each side.  The front of this viewer is hinged with a brass “stay” on the right to lock it in the upright viewing position.  When not in use it folds closed on a friction latch.  The bottom tier is equipped with a wooden track and folding arm which allows the viewer to be inclined to one of three preset angles.  The front bears the oval brass maker’s plaque reading “76  .UNIS . FRANCE  3   STEREOSCOPES -  PARIS”   10 ½  inches long by 6 ¾ inches wide and 3 inches thick when closed, elevating to a working height of 16 ¾ inches.  Superb original condition.  1475

This offering comes complete with several stereo viewing cards with interesting subject matter.

21.75  ROYAL NAVY VARIABLE POWER TELESCOPE.  Rare, totally complete, cased British Navy telescope by the venerable English nautical instrument making firm of “ROSS, LONDON” as signed on the draw.  Every aspect of its construction attests to the detail and precision lavished on crucial equipment manufactured by the British during the First World War.  It is made entirely of heavy, solid brass.  The lovely barrel is in a high polish while the ocular end is in its original black oxidized finish.  It is marked “TELESCOPE VARIABLE POWER No I (MARK 1)” and “No 384” dated “1917” on the opposite side.   Nearer the eyepiece it is signed “No 68981 ROSS LONDON PATENT.”  Fine focusing is accomplished by turning the knurled ring on the eyepiece.  The variable power feature is very unusual in such hand-held telescopes.  This is accomplished by rotating the large knurled grip in the middle which is marked “TURN THIS TO CHANGE POWER.”  The state-of-the-art optics provide a clear, highly magnified image of amazing clarity through a range of 12X to 20X powers.  Speaking to its military application, the field of view incorporates a horizontal range line marked with two parallel vertical lines in the center flanked by 4 equidistant lines on either side.  The telescope is complete with its press-on objective dust cover and is housed in the original hand-dovetailed mahogany box.  The superior construction of the box alone is remarkable.  It has heavy brass hinges and a spring-loaded, push button locking device of a type and quality we have not seen before.  On top of that, it has two hook and eye closures!  The lid is boldly stamped “VARIABLE POWER TELESCOPE No 1 Mk I” and is impressed with the Royal Navy Broad Arrow designation.  The telescope itself measures 29 inches long at infinity (shortest) and 2 5/8 inches in diameter.  The box measures 33 inches long, 5 ½ inches wide and 4 ½ inches thick.  The entire presentation weighs an impressive 16 pounds.  Outstanding original condition in every respect. 

21.67  BINOCULARS.  Unusually large pair of late 19th century binoculars made by the premier French opticians “LE MAIRE, PARIS FABt,” as signed on the eye cups and embellished with their distinctive “bee” logo.  This high quality optical instrument is all brass in its original black lacquer finish.  The main tubes and the extending sun shades all retain their original leather coverings.  Focusing is accomplished by a knurled Bakelite knob in the center.  The original optics produce a magnified, upright image of surprising clarity!  Overall condition is excellent, noting minimal wear and aging to the leather.  These type of binoculars were commonly used by ship masters and captains in the 1880’s and 90’s.  9 inches long fully extended and 6 ¼ inches closed.  The objective lenses measure 2 ¼ inches in diameter.  Perfect as a functional gift and/or presentation!  149

21.74 U.S. NAVY GUNSIGHT TELESCOPE.  WWII ship’s telescope used on a U.S. Navy combatant.  This solid cast bronze optical instrument is marked on the side, “TELESCOPE MK 78 U.S.N. NO. 2889 INSP. HTM 1943 MINNEAPOLIS HONEYWELL REGULATOR CO.”  It is of the prismatic type having a 1 /34 inch objective lens with built-in cross hairs.  The all original optics are set for infinity (beyond 30 yards) and produce a highly magnified image of amazing clarity.  Above the eyepiece are two knobs.  The one on the left is marked “DENSITY KNOB,” presumably for aperture.  The knob to the right is marked “RAY FILTER KNOB.”  It rotates an inner  disc containing 4 filters.  They are marked on the body of the telescope, “RED, YELLOW, CLEAR, and POLARIZING” with a small pointer on the knob indicating the respective function.  The body of the telescope is additionally marked “MH” in two places and “AIR OUTLET” above a set screw on the right side.  The left side is equipped with a mounting plate and a window for a small electric light which has been removed.   The base of this instrument consists of a rectangular mounting plate 2 ½ by 4 ½ inches with four mounting holes.  The entire instrument measures 6 inches long, 5 inches high by 4 ½ inches wide and weighs 8 pounds.  It is in a lovely state of original preservation.  The bronze surfaces are bright and free from corrosion. The optics are clear and crisp.  A most unusual relic from a World War II capital ship.  395

21.73  TRIPOD TELESCOPE by the MASTER.  Genuine, late 18th century English floor standing telescope made by Dollond of London as signed in pencil around the main lens.  This most impressive instrument consists of a long tapered wooden barrel hewn from a single piece of mahogany!  The perfect doublet objective lens is housed within a brass collar on the large end, while the viewing end is equipped with a fine rack and pinion focusing device operated by a large knurled knob.  The erecting tube with eyepiece inserts with a sliding fit into the brass collar. As configured the all original optics provide a clear, upright image which is highly magnified with no chromatic distortion -- Dollond’s trademark.   The objective retains its original press-on dust cap while the eyepiece has the typical built-in pivoting dust slide.  This telescope is supported by its original brass collar with two knurled thumbscrews.  The hinged, leather-lined collar holds the telescope securely while affording the option of removal for separate storage or hand-held use.  The collar is set atop its heavy solid brass yoke which allows for smooth train and elevation while providing a steady viewing platform.  The handsome tripod has solid mahogany legs which are each height-adjustable. The overall length of this telescope is 60 inches when focused at infinity. The objective lens is 2 3/4 inches across. The main barrel itself measures 51 1/2 inches long with a diameter of 3 1/4 inches. As shown, the entire presentation stands approximately 79 inches tall, accommodating any height of eye.  .

Peter Dollond (1731-1821,) son of inventor John Dollond, was widely credited with producing an effective achromatic lens, for which he was granted a Royal patent in 1758 and enjoyed the patronage of the Crown. For years the patent afforded Dollond access to the finest optical materials.  Despite that fact, limitations in state-of-the-art lens grinding in the 18th century still made it necessary to manufacture lenses with long focal lengths in order to obtain maximum magnification.   Accordingly, early high-powered refracting telescopes such as this example, required unusually long barrels.  (Gloria Clifton, “Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851,” 1995, National Maritime Museum, London.)

21.72  EARLY TRIPOD TELESCOPE.  Fabulous, late 18th century English library telescope made by “D: JONES, CHARING, CROSS, LONDON.” as engraved on the end of the barrel.  This handsome all brass refracting telescope has a tapered main barrel affixed to a complex equatorial mount set atop graceful Queen Anne style cabriole tripod legs.  By means of rotating tabs, the gearing on the mount allows the viewer to make minute adjustments in both train and elevation of the telescope, most useful during celestial observations.  Further, the mount allows the viewer to make large vertical and horizontal adjustments and provides a knob to “lock in” the desired direction once it is obtained.  With its achromatic doublet objective lens and all original internal erecting system this telescope produces a crisp, clear upright image of high magnification with no chromatic distortion.  Focusing is accomplished by a smooth rack and pinion system operated by a large knurled brass knob.  To these ends the telescope is equipped with both interchangeable terrestrial and astronomical eye pieces.  The terrestrial eyepiece has a built-in sun filter which cleverly doubles as a pivoting dust cover.  The celestial eyepiece is also equipped with a dust cover.  This state-of-the-art scientific instrument has an overall length of 38 ½ inches, standing 23 inches tall as shown and measuring 12 ½ inches wide at the base of the tripod.  The main barrel is 27 ½ inches long with a maximum diameter of 2 5/8 inches and the objective lens measures 2 1/8 inches in diameter.  The entire presentation stores snugly in its original fitted mahogany box with hinged lid, 2 hook and eye closures and original functional box lock with skeleton key!  It is in an absolutely remarkable state of original preservation with virtually no cracks, chips or losses.  This condition for such a carrying case of this age is virtually unheard of!  The telescope itself is in fine cosmetic condition, noting some minor distress in the bottom of the main barrel, noted here only for thoroughness of description.  A lovely, fully functional high grade optical device 220 years old!  

In 1766 David Jones (I) was apprenticed to the famous master optical instrument maker and inventor, Benjamin Martin (w. 1738-1777).  Thereafter Jones was listed as a mathematical instrument maker and optician, first at 25 Charing Cross, London, then 35 Charing Cross from 1785 to 1793.  (Gloria Clifton, “British Scientific Instrument Makers 1555-1851, The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, 1995.)

21.69  OPERA GLASSES.  A fine pair of late 19th century French opera glasses consisting of mother-of-pearl and gilt brass.  The mother-of-pearl eye pieces are both engraved “L.B. & Co., PARIS.”  This precision optical device is focuses by means of a knurled mother-of-pearl knob in the center.  The original optics provide a clear, magnified image as well as enhanced light gathering capability as required in a dark theater.  What makes this pair particularly unusual is the lovely alternating purple and white mother-of-pearl segments covering the body and eye pieces.  4 inches wide, 3 inches long fully extended and 1 ½ inches thick.  Excellent original condition showing wear to the gilding.  The optics are perfect.  195