21. Telescopes & Optics
Prices in U.S. Dollars are in GREEN
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21.50 EXCEPTIONAL TELESCOPE. Especially fine oversized 4-draw hand-held Captain's telescope by one of America's premier early instrument makers "BENJ. PIKE'S SON & CO. 928 Broadway, N.Y." as beautifully hand-engraved on the eye piece. This handsome spyglass has a brass main barrel accentuated by 2 tightly woven macramé bands fore and aft. This precise optical instrument features an achromatic objective lens 2 inches in diameter which, with the 4 original internal lens system, provides an exceptionally clear upright image of high magnification without any distortion. It is complete with its press-on objective dust cover, extending sun shade and built-in pivoting eyepiece dust cover. Closed it measures 10 ¼ inches in length expanding to an impressive 39 inches overall! Condition is outstanding in all respects. Much of the bright brass retains its original lacquered surfaces. 979 |
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21.49 IMPORTANT AMERICAN KALEIDOSCOPE. An original example of the cottage industry ingenuity which propelled America into becoming an industrial giant in the second half of the 1800's. It is a rare Bush kaleidoscope, widely recognized as the best of its kind ever made. This patented "deluxe model" features Bush's standard cardboard main body covered in faux black shark skin. The non-magnifying eyepiece has a glass lens. The "working end" of this kaleidoscope features a rotating brass cylinder much like a ship's wheel. The cylinder contains an array of ingenious liquid-filled glass vials, crystals and other intricate objects enclosed in a translucent glass. These unique items were a source of yet another Bush patent. The top of the barrel is stamped with Bush trademark reading, "C.G. BUSH & CO. PROV. R.I." having an outline of his kaleidoscope and then "PATENT REISSUED NOV. 11, 1873." What makes this model "deluxe" is his patented quadrapedal walnut stand which can be disassembled for transport. One of the legs is impressed "C.G. BUSH PAT." Even in these days of computer graphics and neon, it is hard to believe what amazingly colorful and geometrically perfect imagery Bush was able to capture in his pre-electricity device. It actually tilts downward to be illuminated by simple candlelight. Seeing is believing. Modern day video games don't even compare. Nothing short of incredible! 13 inches high overall and 10 inches long. The base footprint is 6 ¾ inches square. Amazing original condition after150 years, producing equally amazing images guaranteed to wow and delight viewers! 1695 |
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21.48 POCKET TELESCOPE. Sweet little gentleman's travelling telescope, also known as an object glass or monocular. This 19th century example has 2 brass draws and a mahogany main barrel. The two glass lenses produce a clear, bright image with enhanced magnification. This high quality instrument measures only 2 ¾ inches closed and 6 ¼ inches fully extended! The draw action is smooth and tight. Perfect overall condition. This is NOT a toy, but a genuine scientific instrument. 149 |
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21.47 SUPERB TRAVELING TELESCOPE. Late 18th or very early 19th century gentleman's pocket compass made by the renown English instrument making firm of "Spencer Browning & Ruft, London" as hand engraved on the first draw. This delightful optical scientific instrument is made of wood and brass with 3 draws. The main barrel is rich mahogany with an achromatic objective lens measuring 1 3/8 inches in diameter. Remarkably this telescope retains its original press-on objective dust cover and its pivoting eyepiece dust cover both still in working condition! 6 ½ inches closed by 13 inches open. The original 4 piece internal lens system combines with the objective to provide a clear, highly magnified upright image free of chromatic distortion. Signed telescopes of this size by important makers are rare. The details of its construction are identical to its larger brothers 5 times bigger! The ultimate miniature for this size and age. 645 |
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21.40 DECORATIVE TELESCOPE by the MASTER. Very rare, particularly nice example of a late 18th century hand-held captain's spyglass by the inventor of the achromatic lens, Peter Dollond, as beautifully hand engraved in script on the first draw "Dollond Day or Night." What is most unusual about this handsome 3 draw telescope is the fact that it is decoratively painted with gilded floral scrolls on a green background on the main barrel. This is most unusual! The telescope has its traditional 4 element lens erecting system, which in combination with Dollond's signature achromatic objective lens, provide a clear, upright, highly magnified image free of color distortion. This telescope measures 35 inches long fully extended and 2 ½ inches in diameter. When closed it collapses to a mere 11 ½ inches. Excellent original condition in all respects. The old style nipple eyepiece retains its original dust slide. The objective cover is away. This is the first such decorated sea going spyglass we have encountered in our 40+ years! 975 |
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21.39 10-SIDED TELESCOPE. Particularly fine, very rare 10-sided telescope alternatively known as a "decahedral" telescope, from the 18th century. This early telescope, cutting edge for its time, was made by the well known English maker "HAMLIN London" as delicately hand-engraved on the draw tube. Unusual in design, this handsome scope has a large main body carved out of a single piece of solid mahogany tapered and faceted on 10 sides. The classic old fashioned brass objective collar is fitted with a sliding dust cover protecting the large achromatic lens. The ocular end is also of early design with a narrow nipple and sliding dust cover. In evidence of its early manufacture the draw tube pulls out without a stop. Of special note, is the fact that it contains 5 rather than the more common 4 internal lens elements. In consonance, this complex 6 element lens system produces a clear, highly magnified upright image without distortion. A remarkable accomplishment for the late 1700's! The telescope measures 26 inches long closed and 31 inches long extended to infinity. It is 2 ½ inches in diameter on the objective end. The draw itself measures 9 ¾ inches long. Exceptionally well-preserved condition considering an object like this is over 230 years old! Without a doubt museum quality in every sense of the word. 1475 |
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21.38 EARLY BINOCULARS. Handsome set of 19th century French binoculars with the eyecups hand-engraved "SEYMORE, FRANCE ACROMATIC 4 12 X." This all brass pair is in its original black lacquer finish with the main tubes retaining their leather coverings. Focusing is accomplished by turning the knurled gutta-percha knob in the center. It moves the two eye tubes in and out with a surprisingly smooth, tight action. Each side is equipped with a brass loop for attaching to a carrying strap. The twin 1 ¾ inch objective lenses provide a clear, magnified image with great clarity. That these binoculars are marked with their 4 ½ power is very unusual for that era. The fact that they are achromatic (double sandwiched objective lens) is also indicative of their quality. 5 ½ inches extended, closing to 4 3/8 inches. 4 ¼ inches wide. Absolutely outstanding, near MINT condition in all respects. The lenses are perfect. Approximately 150 years old. These are as nice as they come! 199 |
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5.97/21.35 U.S. NAVY TELESCOPE. Genuine World War II "U.S. NAVY SPYGLASS QUARTERMASTER MARK II 16 POWER BU SHIPS 1942" as marked on the brass maker's label on the front of the box. This impressive, high quality optical instrument was made to the Navy's wartime specifications by the "HAYWARD LUMBER CO., LOS ANGELES." The handsome spyglass is all brass with a factory-woven covering terminating in 3-strand Turk's heads on each end. The eye piece end is signed "U.S. NAVY SPYGLASS QUARTERMASTER MARK II 16 POWER BU SHIPS (N) 1942 HAYWARD LOS ANGLELES." Focusing is accomplished by rotating the knurled collar which is marked in diopters from +6 to – 6. The 2 ½ inch state-of-the-art objective lens produces a remarkably clear upright image of the finest resolution. Seeing is believing! The objective end has a protective hexagonal rubber collar to minimize inadvertent impact or to prevent it from rolling off of the chart table. 31 inches long by 3 ¼ inches at the widest. The telescope is complete in its original hinged hardwood box with brass furniture. The box measures 32 inches long by 5 inches square. Outstanding original condition in all respects. The telescope itself can be considered mint! Of the several examples of this type of telescope we have handled in our 40 years, this is certainly the best. 849 |
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21.36 EARLY ENGLISH CAPTAIN's TELESCOPE. Very fine, large first quarter of the 1800's sea captain's telescope of the finest quality. This impressive telescope has a very large barrel turned from a single piece of solid mahogany with brass fittings. The brass exhibits good age with its original lacquered finish still present. The large acromatic objective lens provides a clear, upright image of exceptional clarity and magnification. The telescope measures 15 inches closed and 32 inches extended. Both objective and ocular ends retain their original lenses and brass fitting with built-in dust cover slides. Outstanding original condition showing good age and careful use by the captain. 695 |
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21.34 VERY EARLY SEA CAPTAIN's SPYGLASS. Rare, early 18th century telescope of English manufacture. This classic old sea-going scope has all of the earmarks of such a glass made before 1750! It has the early form 8-sided wooden barrel carved from a single piece of rich mahogany. It is slightly reverse-tapered, meaning the ocular end is actually larger than the objective. The single draw tube actually pulls out of the main tube with no stop. The internal erecting system consists of only 3 lenses rather than the typical 4 found in later telescopes. Each of the three lenticular glass magnifiers are threaded into their retainers and can be removed separately. Later telescopes had the lenses rolled in, not removable. The eyepiece is known as the "nipple type" for the obvious reason. Remarkably, both the eyepiece and the objective retain their built-in sliding brass dust covers. The single piece objective lens is the pre-achromatic type, (later developed by Dollond in 1751), a mere 9/16 inch in diameter. Yet it provides a surprisingly clear, highly magnified upright image without occlusions. 26 inches long closed and over 30 inches long when extended to infinity. 1 ¾ inches wide at the widest. Excellent original condition throughout with no damage, but exhibiting great age. Circa 1720. Museum quality. 1295 |
The technology of lens making and the grinding of optical glass was in its infancy at the time this telescope was made. Glass without occlusions was hard to make. Accordingly lens makers reverted to small, thin glass lenses which could be enhanced by increasing their focal length. The result was the characteristic long telescope barrel with a very small objective lens. But Peter Dollond's patent of the achromatic lens in 1758 changed telescope manufacturing for the ages.
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21.33 CASED TELESCOPE. High quality late 19th century gentleman's traveling telescope in its original stiff canvas case. This telescope is unmarked, but likely of French manufacture as it bears all of the earmarks of French opticians' high standards during that era. The main barrel is brass covered in high grade leather. Its 3 brass draws extend with a smooth, tight action to an overall length of 16 ½ inches collapsing to a closed length of a mere 6 inches. The 1 1/8 inch objective lens in concert with the 4 internal lens system provides a clear, highly magnified upright image free from chromatic distortion. It is complete with its press-on objective lens cover and the pivoting eyepiece cover. It comes with its original, rarely-found carrying case which measures 6 ¾ inches long by 1 5/8 inches in diameter. Simply outstanding condition throughout. A better example of its type for this price is not to be found! 349 |
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21.32 TRIPOD TELESCOPE by the INVENTOR. Most impressive floor standing tripod telescope by the inventor of the achromatic lens, Peter Dollond, as engraved on the ocular end of the main tube, "DOLLOND * LONDON." This original state-of-the-art optical device of the highest quality dates to the turn of the 19th century (1800). It features a beautiful all brass main tube which boasts a focusing apparatus operated by a large knurled knob on the right hand side of the barrel. The mechanism operates with a smooth, tight action. A ribbed, flared eyepiece is at the terminus of the draw tube. The large objective lens is Dollond's signature "doublet" which provides a clear, highly magnified upright image without color distortion. The telescope is mounted on its heavy solid brass mount which pivots in elevation and rotates a full 360 degrees. It is supported by its 3 magnificent mahogany tripod with brass spreader securing the legs. As configured the telescope measures 55 inches long overall. The main barrel is 43 inches long. The objective lens is 2 5/8 inches in diameter. The height of eye is approximately 65 inches. The footprint of the tripod is 39 inches between the feet. Outstanding original condition in all respects. A spectacular addition to the library or room/balcony with a view! 3289 |
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21.26 EXTENDING TELESCOPE. Very unusual first half of the 1800's gentleman's telescope which expands from a mere 5 ¼ inches closed to an incredible 24 ¾ inches fully extended! This compact telescope has 7 draws in addition to the main barrel and the sun shade. 9 sections in all. Ordinary telescopes typically have 3. It is all brass construction with a wooden covered main barrel. Although it is unmarked, there is no doubt that this precision optical instrument was made by one of England's finest optical instrument makers. The four element internal lens system combines with the achromatic objective lens to produce a clear, highly magnified image without distortion. The draw action is smooth and tight. It is complete with both the pivoting eyepiece dust cover and the press-on objective lens cover. Excellent original condition in all respects. Beautifully polished with absolutely NO flaws! This is only the third maxi-draw telescope of its type we have handled in our 40 years in the business. A definite rarity. 849 |
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21.05 POCKET TELESCOPE. Pristine 19th century gentleman’s hand-held telescope of English manufacture. This handsome example has a main barrel of rich red mahogany which measures 6 inches long when closed. Its 3 brass draws extend to 16 ¾ inches overall. The flawless doublet objective lens is 1 ¼ inches in diameter and provides a clear, upright image of high magnification. The internal 4 element lens system is perfect. The ocular end retains its original pivoting dust cover. A fine near miniature telescope just about as nice as they come. 285 |
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5.55 /21.90 EARLY NAVY BINOCULARS. Very scarce World War I vintage military binoculars made for the “Signal Corps U.S. Army” as stamped on the right side objective. On the ocular end it is marked “Military Stereo 6 x 30” on the left and “U.S. Naval Gun Factory Optical Shop Annex, Rochester, N.Y. U.S.A.” These high quality prismatic binoculars are made of solid brass in a blackened finish with leather covering. Each ocular is knurled for individual focusing and is marked in diopeters + or -. The binoculars retain their original leather carrying strap and are complete with their very nice heavy leather case with spring-loaded closure. Of added interest and value is the very high quality compass in the lid, showing the cardinal and intercardinal points of the compass marked in 5 degree increments. It is signed “U.S Naval Gun Factory Optical Annex, Rochester, N.Y.” The underside of the lid is impressed “U.S. NAVAL GUN FACTORY Optical Annex Shop Rochester, N.Y” with fouled anchor mark. The objective lenses measure 1 1/4 inches in diameter each. The binoculars are 6 ¼ inches wide and 4 ¾ inches long. The stout leather case is 7 ¼ inches wide by 5 ½ inches high. Excellent original optics and the compass is lively and accurate. The leather is in unusually nice condition considering it is over 100 years old. 495 |
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21.88. LARGE IVORY BINNOCULARS. A really incredible pair of 19th century binoculars with the bodies turned out of solid ivory! This handsome, super high quality optical instrument was obviously designed to be a cut above the usual instruments of its type with leather-covered brass bodies. Most likely of French manufacture this set exhibits the quality and craftsmanship indicative of French opticians in the 1800’s, as exhibited in this particularly difficult medium. The large twin objective lenses measure 2 ½ inches in diameter and are 5 inches wide overall. The gilt brass frames secure the lenses within the solid ivory bodies. Another set of gilt brass frames hold the oculars. Within each is a circular ebony eyepiece. The binoculars focus by turning a ribbed ivory knob in the center, extending from 4 5/8 inches closed to a full 6 1/8 inches. This action is very tight. The all original lenses combine to produce a stereoscope image of great clarity with good magnification and light gathering capability. Remarkably these old binoculars show relatively little cracking expected of such a medium about 150 years old. There is the obvious wear and age patina. The original satin-line leather carrying case is also in remarkable condition, complete with original carrying strap. The case measures 5 ½ by 5 by 3 inches and closes with a brass button latch. 895 |
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21.87 CASED BINOCULARS. Exquisite, highly finished 19th century binoculars/opera glasses made of solid ivory with gilt-washed brass fittings. Undoubtedly of French manufacture, this exceptional pair, befitting a queen, is of the highest order we have ever seen in our 40 years in this business. The brass and the ivory trim is magnificent. See is believing! The main body is of ivory inset with powerful lenses. The oculars are decoratively turned of solid ivory. It comes complete with a period leather case with hinged lid, in excellent condition. These binoculars measure 3 ½ by 4 ¼ inches wide. The objective lenses measure 1 ¼ inches in diameter. The stout fitted leather case is 5 1/8 inches wide by 5 inches high. Minor age checks do exist in the eyecups and some light wear to the rich gilding is apparent. Otherwise the entire presentation is perfect, including the all original optics which provide a clear upright image of high magnification with good light amplification. This is very rare offering. Check around before buying here. 795 |
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21.11 HISTORIC, VERY RARE PRESENTATION TELESCOPE! Without question the most significant presentation item we have offered in our 35+ years, involving the Queen of England and an American President! This classic two-draw mariner’s telescope is all brass with original optics, eyepiece and objective fittings, beautifully-engraved in fancy script on the draw near the eyepiece “Dollond, London, Day or Night” The eyepiece with original dust slide is of the early-form “nipple” type. The perfect 1 ¾ inch achromatic objective lens is protected by a press-fit lens cap with its own sliding dust cover. The body of the telescope is housed in a rich Moroccan leather covering in like new condition. The piece-de-resistance of this offering is the meticulously hand-engraved inscription on the sun shade barrel. It reads: Presented On behalf of ~ Queen Victoria ~ ~ by ~ JAMES BUCHANAN, ESQ. her Majestys Consul for NEW-YORK ~to~ ~Mr. SAMUEL RICH~ First Officer of the Packet Ship Rhone JAMES WOTTEN ESQr COMMANDER as an acknowledgement of his humane Efforts in rescuing from Death ~CAPTAIN McNICOLL~ and ten of the crew of the British Barque Belinda of TROON Upon the 22nd day of November ~ 1840~ The inscription is clear, deep and untouched. The surrounding brass has acquired a rich statuary bronze patina that does not appear to have been polished or cleaned since its inception 179 years ago! The telescope itself is in an amazing state of preservation and is fully functional providing a highly magnified upright image of great clarity. The draws pull in and out with a smooth, tight fit. It measures 15 inches closed by 2 ½ inches in diameter and extends to 38 ½ inches long. Without a doubt this exquisite lifesaving relic would find a prominent place in any major American or British Museum. 6295 Buchanan was born in Pennsylvania and became a prominent lawyer in the town of Lancaster. He was first elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1820 and later won a seat in the United States House of Representatives, aligned with Andrew Jackson's Democratic Party. President Jackson appointed him Minister to Russia. It was during that time he made this presentation on behalf of Queen Victoria. Soon after, Buchanan was elected senator of Pennsylvania. In 1845, he accepted President James K. Polk's appointment as Secretary of State. While in that position, the land mass of the United States grew tremendously with the addition of the Oregon Territory and annexation of the Southwest as a result of the Mexican War. From 1853 to 1856, during the presidency of Franklin Pierce (1853 – 1856) Buchanan served as the United States’ Ambassador to Britain. Buchanan won his party's Presidential nomination in 1856, defeating Pierce and Senator Stephen Douglas at the 1856 Democratic National Convention. He went on to become President, defeating Fremont and Fillmore in the 1856 election. He was succeeded by Abraham Lincoln in 1860. |
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21.07 17th CENTURY TELESCOPE. Very rare, late 17th or very early 18th century mariner’s telescope in the Galileo style by the Italian master Leonardo Semiticolo as impressed on the ocular end of the main barrel. This 2-draw telescope is made of paper and vellum with turned horn eye pieces, sections and ends. Its clever construction makes for a very lightweight instrument manageable with a single hand. The red orange barrel is decorated with recurring geometric, floral and bead-like designs. The 2 draws are greenish yellow with a mottled surface. Both are marked with concentric rings indicating the position of distention for infinity. The eye piece of turned horn is of the early “nipple” form retaining its original screw-on dust cap. Remarkably, the objective also retains it original dust cover. This is absolutely amazing after more than 300 years! The telescope measures 28 inches long fully extended and compresses to 12 ½ inches closed. The original optics provide a surprisingly clear, highly magnified image with the expected chromatic aberration characteristic of pre-1750 telescopes. Excellent condition in all respects. A true museum piece. |
The technology of lens making and the grinding of optical glass was in its infancy at the time this telescope was made. Glass without occlusions was hard to make. Accordingly lens makers reverted to small, thin glass lenses which could be enhanced by increasing their focal length. The result was the characteristic long telescope barrel with a very small objective lens. But Peter Dollond's patent of the achromatic lens in 1758 changed telescope manufacturing for the ages.
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21.06 TELESCOPE TRIPOD. Genuine early 19th century table tripod for a premium quality library telescope of the period. This authentic, heavy solid brass tripod is of English origin with lovely Queen Anne cabriolet tripod legs which support a gradually tapered strut. This strut supports the telescope mount at the top. The mount is fully articulated with train and elevation functions which are smooth and tight with no play – as required of such a quality instrument. 24 ½ inches long overall. 19 inches tall as configured. The footprint is 14 ¼ inches on the three legs. Weight 8 pounds. Outstanding original condition in a high polished brass finish with preservation coating. Guaranteed to be over 100 years old. 695 |
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21.04 ANTIQUE TELESCOPE. Very scarce octagonal barrel captain’s spyglass dating from the early 18th century. It is a genuine relic from the early days of sail made in England which features a long 8-side barrel carved from a single piece of rich mahogany. This old sea veteran has several distinctive features which reveal its great age. It has the early form reverse taper characteristic of telescopes manufactured from the 1680's. The objective end with traditional brass collar has a sliding lens cover housing its single piece objective lens measuring only 7/8ths inches in diameter! The draw tube contains only three (not the usual 4) erecting lenses. These single element lenses are held in by threaded retainers, not rolled in as with later 18th and 19th century telescopes. The ocular consists of a later knurled brass eye cup with built-in pivoting dust cover. Another early aspect is the fact that the draw tube slides in and out of the barrel freely with no stop. In combination the all original lens system provides a magnified image with the telltale “chromatic fringe” characteristic of the earliest telescopes. Cosmetically it is in outstanding original condition with no dents cracks or other flaws – just great old age. 25 inches long closed and 30 ½ inches long extended. A beautiful example approximately 300 years old. Certainly a museum piece! Price Request The technology of lens making and the grinding of optical glass was in its infancy at the time this telescope was made. Glass, without occlusions was hard to make. Accordingly, lens makers reverted to small, thin glass lenses which could be enhanced by increasing their focal lenth. The result was the charateristic long telesope barrel with very small objective lens. But Peter Dollond's patent of the achromatic lens in 1758 changed telescope manufacturing for the ages. |
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21.03 U.S. NAVY TRIPOD TELESCOPE. Absolutely the ultimate in U.S. Naval optics, this is a pre-World War II vintage flag bridge telescope. A precious few such telescopes were also configured for exploratory landing party use and were mounted to their rarely found U.S. Navy terrestrial tripods.. Because of the stresses and abuse that such arduous use inflicted, few survived. Represented here is a very scarce original example in virtually perfect condition in all respects! Made of heavy solid brass this telescope has the finest state-of-the-art optics of its time produced by the highly respected Bausch & Lomb Optical Co. as marked on the silver maker’s plaque on top of the barrel: “SHIP’s TELESCOPE Mk I MOD. BU. SHIP’S U.S. NAVY (N) 255, 1940 B & L OPT CO.” The barrel has two sighting pins mounted on top and a built-in sun shade protecting the 3 inch objective lens. A large handle is attached to the left side for conveniently training and elevating. A set of internal rotating filters are provided for maximum clarity in sunlit, hazy or low light conditions. They are selected by means of a knurled brass knob just below the eyepiece. The ocular provides a 28X image of exceptional clarity and brightness. Of immense added value and versatility, there are an additional 4 interchangeable eyepieces of 12, 14, 22 and 32 powers! Focusing is accomplished by turning the knurled adjustment ring with a range of -4 to +2 diopters in ¼ increments. The telescope body is supported by its extremely heavy thick bronze collar with trunnions suspended in the equally heavy solid bronze yoke. Removal of the telescope when not in use is made by loosening the hinged trunnion caps with knurled locking lugs. The yoke has a stout bronze support spindle which fits snugly into the tripod “spider,” complete with bearing and even a zerk grease fitting! The end of the spindle is finished off with an extra large brass cap nut. The yoke bears a silver maker’s tag reading, “MOUNT For SHIP’s TELESCOPE Mk I Mod. BU. SHIP’S 1940 B & L OPT. CO.” the spider is also solid bronze and is marked in high relief “U.S. NAVY Tripod model 660 U.S. Metal Products Co., New York.” A brass collar fits over the spindle allowing the height of eye to be raised or lowered by 5 inches. The high quality tripod legs, made of finest hardwood maple have all brass fittings and are tipped with bronze “feet.” A central brass chain allows for splaying the legs to different widths. This feature allows for further height adjustment and stability. The legs are detachable from the spider by means of large brass butterfly wing nuts. The barrel of the telescope measures 28 ½ inches long as pictured with protective screw-on ocular cover. The barrel is 4 ¾ inches in diameter. The entire assembly stands 64 ½ inches tall as shown. This measurement is with the 5 inch height adjusting collar inserted. The footprint of the tripod as shown is 29 inches between each leg. The condition, both cosmetically and functionally of the entire unit is nothing short of spectacular -- particularly in light of the fact it is over 75 years old! At the time of its manufacture, this unit cost the Government more than the price of a car. |
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21.79 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. 1395 |
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21.4 BINOCULAR MICROSCOPE. High grade 19th C. English microscope made for the American market, signed and serial numbered on the base "R. & J. Beck, London 7072." and further engraved on the main tube "J W QUEEN & Co. Agents, Philadelphia & New York." This finely crafted all brass compound microscope features adjustable Wenham-style binocular body tubes mounted on a sturdy base and stands 14 inches tall as shown. It is complete with a total of 4 objectives and 4 ocular lenses. It is housed in a lovely African mahogany box with brass furniture measuring 16 inches long. The lower till houses numerous glass slides while the upper section holds the additional optics, with 11 slots being empty including a separate slot for a light magnifier which is also missing. Of course the beauty of the innovation embodied in this microscope was the fact that the researcher could view a particular object with both eyes providing a clearer stereoscopic subject. This rare instrument is in excellent, untouched original condition with most of its original lacquered surfaces. It is functional and all adjustments operate smoothly and properly. A most handsome presentation! 2195 |
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