Field telescope - circa 1900 - United Kingdom

A remarkably compact three-draw pocket telescope, dating to the 19th century and most likely of English manufacture.

The telescope is constructed with a polished mahogany main barrel, brass fittings and three telescoping brass draw tubes. Fully collapsed, the instrument measures only approximately 7 cm, extending to approximately 17 cm when in use. Despite its miniature dimensions, the optical system remains functional and produces a focused image.

This type of highly portable refracting telescope was intended primarily for terrestrial observation. Its collapsible construction allowed it to be carried easily in a pocket or fitted case and used while travelling, outdoors, at public events, or for observing distant landscapes, people and vessels. Comparable three-draw mahogany-and-brass pocket telescopes were produced by several important British optical instrument makers during the late Georgian and Regency periods, including firms and makers such as Dollond, Ramsden/Berge, Cary, Thomas Harris & Son, and Robert Brettell Bate.

The telescope is unsigned. A very faint hand-incised marking, apparently reading “J.D.”, is visible on the eyepiece flange. The irregular character of the inscription suggests that these are more likely historical ownership initials or an inventory mark rather than a maker's signature; no attribution to a particular maker is therefore made.

The telescope is accompanied by an old green textile-covered cylindrical fitted carrying case. The textile covering shows considerable age and wear, particularly around the upper rim. An old cream-coloured woven textile wrapping was also retained with the instrument. Its precise age and original purpose cannot be established, although it may have served as protective wrapping.

The brass retains an attractive naturally aged patina with oxidation, surface marks and scratches consistent with its age. The mahogany barrel likewise shows normal age-related surface wear. The three draw tubes extend and retract, the objective and eyepiece optics are present, and the telescope has been tested and is functional.

Dimensions: approximately 7 cm closed and 17 cm fully extended; approximately 3.5 cm diameter.
Weight: approximately 100 g.

A particularly appealing survivor of the Georgian tradition of portable optical instruments, notable for its unusually compact proportions, three-draw construction, mahogany and brass combination, surviving period-style carrying case, and still-functional optics.

The telescope will be carefully packed and securely protected for shipping.