Very Rare English Reflecting Gregorian Telescope C.1770

Description

Presented is a very early and rare leather covered reflecting telescope from around 1770 housed within its original oak case. The telescope still works well and offers clear images with good contrast. The instrument although of the highest quality, unfortunately, isn't signed.

The telescope stands on its original elaborately turned stand with 3 folding cabriole legs. The legs can be unscrewed revealing a steel screw thread used to secure the telescope in the trunk of a tree or the top of a fence post. The hole in the base is so a steel rod could be placed in it and used to drive the screw thread into the wood. The top of the stand terminates in a compass type joint that can be turned through 360degrees. The body is secured via 2 knurled nuts. The body is leather covered giving an impressive and stark contrast against the bright golden brass. The leather covering has split due to shrinkage. it could be recovered or just glued back into position. At the end of the tube is the original dust cap (so often missing) which has protected the mirrors over the centauries from corrosion. The lens arrangement comes with its original red glass sun filter.  The telescope comes in it original waxed oak case with an elaborate brass lacquered escution and its original key.

It is very rare to find an instrument of such age still retaining its original golden lacquer to such an extent. Given that the instrument works so well and comes with its original sun filter and turned end cap makes for an instrument of the highest rarity.

Tube Diameter - 2.5inches
Tube Including Eyepiece Length - 13inches
Instrument Height - 14.5

Two similar instruments can be seen here and here

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