Marine telescope - 1850-1900 - United Kingdom

Antique three-draw brass marine / terrestrial telescope, probably of British manufacture, dating to the second half of the 19th century (circa 1860–1890).

This compact pocket telescope is constructed from brass, glass and a dark hardwood barrel, most likely mahogany. It features a classic three-draw design with original brass fittings and an integrated eyepiece dust shutter.

Although unsigned, the telescope's construction, proportions, materials and optical configuration are characteristic of British Victorian optical instruments produced during the late nineteenth century. The absence of a maker's engraving is not uncommon among quality commercial telescopes of this period.

The dating is based on several construction characteristics, including:

the three-draw brass construction,
the hardwood (likely mahogany) barrel,
the Victorian style eyepiece and objective fittings,
the compact travel format,
and the terrestrial optical system producing an upright image.

The telescope has been tested and is fully functional. The draw tubes extend and retract smoothly, the optics produce a clear upright magnified image, and the instrument focuses correctly. The original eyepiece shutter is present and operates as intended.

The brass retains an attractive original patina acquired through age and use. The wooden barrel shows natural age-related shrinkage resulting in a longitudinal opening along the grain, a common characteristic of antique hardwood instruments that have aged for well over a century. This does not affect the structural integrity or the functioning of the telescope.

- Specifications:
Closed length: 15.1 cm
Extended length: 40.6 cm
Objective lens diameter: 2.7 cm
Weight: 263 g

A fine example of a Victorian portable field telescope, suitable for collectors of antique scientific instruments, maritime antiques and nineteenth-century optical equipment.