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TELESCOPES & OPTICS

Catalog Page 21


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21.92


21.92 AMERICAN TRIPOD TELESCOPE.  Scarce, late 19th century American floor standing tripod telescope engraved "HARVEY & LEWIS CO., U.S.A." on the end of the main tube.  This premium quality optical instrument features a long solid brass main tube with its original state-of-the-art achromatic objective lens measuring 3inches in diameter.  Fine adjustment is accomplished by means of the precision rack and pinion focusing device with smooth action, operated by a large knurled brass knob on the right side of the telescope body.  Period internal optics combine to form a clear, upright image of extreme magnification with good clarity and no distortion. Such early telescopes were not marked with their "Power times X" as in modern optical devices.   However this telescope is extremely powerful and surely must be 20X or more!  It is mounted to its *ORIGINAL*oak tripod with heavy, solid brass support pedestal which provides train and elevation, making for easy viewing and a most handsome display. The main telescope barrel measures 38 inches in length and is 49 inches long overall. As configured the entire assembly is 6 feet tall.  Pristine cosmetic condition in all respects with no flaws in the optics whatsoever. A magnificent furniture grade American instrument of the highest optical quality which would make an impressive statement in the library, den, or living room with a view!   hold

Harvey & Lewis Company of Hartford, Connecticut was established in 1890 as opticians.  The company is still in business to this day selling a quality line of vision products.


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21.29


21.29  18th CENTURY MONOCULAR.  High quality gentleman’s monocular pocket spyglass, otherwise known as an “object glass.”  This rare example is by the noted makers “Gilbert & Gilkerson / Tower Hill, London” as hand-engraved on the single silvered draw.   The original two lens system with early singlet objective produces a surprisingly clear, magnified, upright image.  This mini-telescope is made of sterling silver and silver plated brass.  The main barrel is finished in a thick nondescript mustard yellow covering with an obviously enduring nature.  It measures just over 3 inches closed and 4 inches long fully extended.  Typical of these early glasses, there is no stop on the draw, so it will pull out completely.  The objective lens is nearly 1 ½ inches in diameter.  This little glass is in excellent overall condition.  There are a number of micro nicks and scratches on the main barrel covering which only add to its texture and looks.  There are no dents or cracks and the lenses are perfect.  A very high grade optical instrument from famous makers over 200 years old! 


William Gilbert and James Gilkerson were in partnership as mathematical instrument makers and opticians at 8 Postern Row, Tower Hill, London from 1793 to 1809.


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21.90

21.90  U.S. NAVY TELESCOPE.   Incredible WWII vintage ship's shore party tripod telescope bearing the brass maker's tag reading:

U.S. NAVY
BUREAU OF SHIPS
1944
JOHN E. HAND & SONS CO.
PHILADELPHIA


This all brass telescope, with state-of-the-art optics, is 6 inches in diameter and measures 26 inches long overall, inclusive of its built-in sun shade. It is fitted with a 14 power eyepiece which provides an exceptionally clear highly magnified image with a wide field of view.  Still fully functional is the internal 3-way filter system useful in viewing through haze and glare.  For stability, the 'turret top' of the tripod is made from a massive piece of solid cast brass bearing the raised inscription "U.S NAVY TRIPOD Model 660 New York."   The equally substantial solid brass yoke allows the telescope to pivot from side to side and up and down (train and elevation) with a smooth, tight action.  The legs of this telescope are of heavy solid mahogany, beautifully tapered with cast brass tips.  The entire presentation stands 66 inches tall as shown and 49 inches to the top of the tripod turret head.   The telescope barrel itself is 22 ½ inches long.  The yoke also provides a 2-position height of eye adjustment feature!   This is done by means of a spacer which adds 5 inches of height.  Another nice feature of this telescope is that it affords the same magnification, with a wider field of view, as most conventional telescopes which are much longer.   This is accomplished by a complex system of prisms within the barrel. The shorter barrel also lends itself to display and use in limited space.  Absolutely superb condition cosmetically and optically.  This is the best functional tripod telescope available anywhere on today's antique market, and THE most desirable! PORSpecial Packaging

When looking through this telescope in our shop, the common response from our customers is WOW!


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21.09

21.09  HUGE REFLECTOR TELESCOPE.   Certainly one of the largest antique telescopes of its type available on the market today.  This 19th century English reflecting telescope is of heavy all brass construction.  It features two thick parabolic mirrors made of highly polished “speculum” metal which combine to produce a clear, large field image, unobtainable with a refracting telescope of the same size.  The forward focusing mirror is set on an internal track connected to a screw gear operated by a small brass hand crank on the viewing end.  Turning the crank allows the observer to make fine focusing adjustments.  For side to side movement and raising and lowering (train and elevation) the telescope is equipped with a heavy brass strut attached by wing nuts to a circular brass support mounted on the center post.  It is connected to another  drive shaft which is operated by a large brass wheel with handle.  When the wheel is turned it gradually raises or lowers the entire telescope body with a smooth action.  This massive telescope measures 68 inches high as shown.  The barrel is 36 inches long and 8 inches in diameter.  The lovely hardwood tripod stands 53 inches tall to the top of the turret head.  It supports the revolving brass yoke with trunnions on which the barrel is mounted.  The yoke measures 11 inches wide.  The spread between the tripod legs is approximately 45 inches x 3.  Complete with its original removable eyepiece and large objective lens cap.  All components are of solid brass in their bright lacquered finish. POR  Special Packaging


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21.88

21.88  TELESCOPE.  Impressive early 19th century all brass sea captain’s 5-draw spyglass which telescopes from only 13 1/2 inches closed to an amazing 52 ½ inches fully extended!   This unusually large telescope is likely of English manufacture, and judging by the early style “nipple” eyepiece, dates from the 1830’s.  The big achromatic objective lens is made of classic old green crown and flint glass measuring 2 ½ inches in diameter.  In conjunction with the internal erecting system it produces a highly magnified upright image of surprising clarity.  This hefty hand-held telescope weighs 5 pounds and is complete with its original objective lens cap and ocular dust slide of early form   Beautiful, fully restored cosmetic condition with bright brass surfaces.  All 5 optical elements are original and in perfect condition.  They don’t come any nicer or much bigger!  1295


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21.87

21.87  O.O.D. SPYGLASS.  Very scarce, beautifully preserved pre-World War II vintage U.S. Navy telescope signed “US. NAVY BU. SHIPS O.O.D. 10-POWER N.G.F. (Naval Gun Factory) TYPE  NO. 2379, 1940.”  This highest quality optical device is of solid brass with a leather covering on the barrel.  All optics are original and produce an exceptional, highly magnified image of  amazing clarity.  This hand-held telescope is equipped with a built-in focusing system with knurled ring which turns with a good tight action to produce the clearest image imaginable!  This officer’s telescope is housed in the upper half of its original machine dove-tailed oak box which importantly bears the original brass maker’s plate reading, “KOLLMORGEN OPTICAL CORPORATION  10 – POWER – OFFICER – OF – THE –DECK SPYGLASS MK. II U.S.N. - BU. SHIPS SER. NO 2379.”  The telescope itself is 23 inches long and 2 ¼ inches wide at the widest.   The box measures 25 inches long by 3 ¾ inches wide and is 2 inches deep.   Outstanding original and functional condition is all respects noting the absence of the lower half of the box.  This telescope represents the best example of state-of-the art optics for its time, made even more desirable by the fact that it is a scarce pre-war example.  No doubt it cost *MUCH* more in 1940 Dollars than we are offering it for now!  595


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Description: 21.76

21.76 EARLY SEA CAPTAIN’s LONG GLASS. Especially nice hand-held telescope made by the famous optician and mathematical instrument maker Thomas Harris, as beautifully engraved in script near the eyepiece, “T. Harris, London Night & Day.” This fine, olde English example has an early form single draw with wooden barrel and brass fittings. The ocular end “nipple” is indicative of telescopes circa 1800, retaining its spring-loaded sliding dust cover. The large wooden barrel is turned of a single piece of solid mahogany which is in its original black finish. The objective end houses the old greenish glass achromatic lens which is protected by its press-fit cap with built-in sliding dust cover! The all original optics produce a highly magnified, upright image of surprising clarity. This genuine Captain’s spyglass measures 20 ¾ inches closed, 35 ¼ inches long fully extended and is 2 ½ inches in diameter. It is in a very nice state of original preservation. There are the expected age checks in the solid wooden barrel. Such cracks are present in all wooden articles over 200 years old. But this venerable example evidences great respect and careful use lavished upon it for over 2 centuries! 895

According to Gloria Clifton, author of “British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851”, 1995 Philip Wilson Publishers Ltd., London, Thomas Harris (I) worked as an optician, mathematical and philosophical instrument maker and a globe maker from 1790 to 1826. In 1804 he was recorded as working at 140 Fleet Street, London. Thereafter, an address of 52 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London is cited.


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Description: 21.79


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.  1295

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


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21.86

21. 86  EARLY TELESCOPE by IMPORTANT MAKER.  Especially rare, 10-sided, reverse tapered spyglass made by the famous London optician and nautical instrument maker George Adams.  This wonderful surviving example of a decahedral telescope is signed on the single draw in elegant cursive script “Adams, London.”   Evidencing its early origins this spyglass has an unusual 5 element erecting system in the single draw vs. the usual 4.  The lenses are held in by threaded retainers instead of being “rolled in,” as exemplified in later telescopes.  Together with the singlet, non-achromatic objective lens 1 1/8 inches in diameter, the system provides a sharp, highly magnified image with the typical peripheral chromatic aberration characteristic of pre-1750 telescopes.  The barrel is constructed of one solid piece of mahogany, hollowed out in the traditional decahedral form.  The draw, with early-form “nipple” has no stop, meaning it will pull free from the main barrel.  Again this is a characteristic indicative of only the earliest hand held telescopes.  Both of the spring-loaded objective and ocular dust slides are in place and operate properly.  The overall condition of this telescope can only be described as nothing short of amazing original condition in consideration of its seaborne life spanning more than 260 years!  The barrel is in its original finish with expected minor scuffs and mars from actual use.  All of the brass components have acquired a rich, deep age patina.  All 6 of the original glass lenses are in perfect condition.  31 inches long overall.  The main barrel measures 24 ½ inches long and is 1 ¾ inches thick at the widest.  Another of our museum quality offerings representing a real prize for the finest collection.   2600

George Adams (the first) was without question a premiere English maker of his time.  Born in 1698, he was apprenticed to James Parker in 1724 and began his own business at Shoe Lane, London in 1733.  In 1750 he received a patent for his telescope and was awarded the honor of appointment as maker to the Prince of Wales, George III, in 1760.  (Gloria Clifton, “Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1440-1851,” 1995, The National Maritime Museum.)

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.  Up to that time limitations in glass making and lens grinding had made it necessary to manufacture small, thin 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 in relationship to the diameter of their objective lens.


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21.85

21.85  U.S. NAVY QUARTERMASTER’s  SPYGLASS.  Authentic World War II era spyglass of the type used by bridge personnel underway and the officer to the deck in port.  This high quality optical device is marked “U.S. NAVY BU. SHIPS QM. 16-POWER MK.1 NO. 24068 / 1942” on the eyepiece end.  The eyepiece is knurled to enable focusing from -6 to plus 6 diopters, which it does very smoothly.  The long tapered barrel is of brass covered in a faux leather material.  The large clear objective lens is housed in it blackened brass retainer in perfect condition.   It provides an upright image of high magnification with some small specks noticeable in the field.  This spyglass measures 31 inches long by 3 inches wide on the objective end.  It is complete in it original felt-lined dove-tailed oak box with brass hinges and closures.  The inlaid brass maker’s label reads “Kollmorgen Optical Corp. 16-POWER QM. SPYGLASS U.S.N. BU. SHIPS Serial No. 24068.” The box measures 32 ¼ inches long, 4 ¾ inches wide and 4 ¾ inches high.  Overall cosmetic condition is “excellent.”  POR

“QM” stands for Quarter Master, those sailors whose rate comprised shipboard activities such as navigation, lookouts, timekeeping and underway operations.


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21.78

21.78  SIGNED & IDENTIFIED TELESCOPE.  Excellent mid 19th century English 3-draw gentleman’s telescope by the renowned makers “Negretti & Zambra, London” as signed on the draw.  This quality optical instrument features an achromatic objective lens 1 1/2 inches in diameter which produces a clear upright image of great magnification and clarity.  A beautifully hand-engraved sterling silver plaque on the main barrel reads “Mr. Thos. G. Stark” in Gothic lettering.  The eyepiece is complete with its built-in pivoting dust cover.  This telescope measures 22 ¾ inches extended and 8 inches closed.  Excellent original condition in all respects. 

Ex. Collection of a well-known Maritime Museum, the identity of which will be provided to the purchaser along with a written statement documenting the fact.

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21.77

21.77 EARLY 8-SIDED TELESCOPE.  Mid-18th century or earlier faceted barrel English telescope commonly referred to as a "decahedral."  This particularly fine example of an early mariner’s telescope features a solid body of “flame grained” mahogany with brass fittings.  The early form singlet objective is a thin, narrow piece of flint glass contained within a threaded brass receptacle.  It is protected by its early form spring-loaded sliding dust cover.  Evidencing its early origins, this telescope has only 3 lenses in its erecting system vs. the more common 4 which were standard by the 19th century.  In addition, each of the lenses are individually held within there receptacles – a feature indicative of olde English manufacture dating back to the late 1600’s.  The eyepiece is of the nipple type also with its original sliding dust cover.  This lovely telescope produces a clear, state-of-the-art, highly magnified image for its time, noting it is of the pre-achromatic type.  There is a small peripheral crack in the objective lens which does not affect the image.  Otherwise condition must be rated as “outstanding.”  The barrel itself is in amazing condition with the original finish showing just the right amount of old wear that collectors seek.  The brasses are equally fine.  13 ¾ inches closed and 23 ¾ inches fully extended.  A rare telescope!  949

Ex. Collection of the Kennebunk Maritime Museum, Kennebunkport, Maine.

Peter Dollond was awarded a patent for his non-achromatic lens amidst a flurry of controversy in 1758.  Earlier telescopes provided an image slightly distorted by color on the periphery of the field.  This telescope is an example of that old type.

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21.74

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

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21.73

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. POR  Special Packaging.

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.)

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21.72

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.)

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