A particularly attractive and unusually compact Victorian six-draw telescope, dating from approximately 1880, constructed in brass with an original black leather-covered barrel.
 
The telescope is complete and fully functional, with clear working optics, and extends from an exceptionally compact 13.5 cm when closed to approximately 60.5 cm when fully extended. The six-draw construction allows this substantial optical instrument to collapse into a remarkably small package, making it a particularly interesting example of Victorian portable optical technology.
 
Six-draw telescopes are considerably less commonly encountered than the more usual three-draw examples. The main barrel is covered in the original ribbed black leather, complemented by turned and polished brass fittings. The brass has acquired a lovely natural patina through age and use.
 
The telescope has been tested and is fully working, with the optical system producing a clear usable image. The six draw tubes extend and retract properly and the focusing mechanism operates as intended.
 
This is therefore much more than simply a decorative antique. It remains a usable Victorian optical instrument, although, naturally, it should not be expected to perform to the standards of a modern telescope.
 
Construction and features
Six-draw extending construction
Brass telescopic tubes
Original black ribbed leather-covered main barrel
Brass objective fitting
Original brass objective cap
Original eyepiece assembly
Sliding eyepiece/dust cover
Working optics
Smooth extending and retracting action
Approximately 13.5 cm closed
Approximately 60.5 cm fully extended
Approximately 3.9 cm diameter
It would make a fascinating addition to a collection of:
Victorian scientific instruments
Antique optical instruments
Nautical antiques
Maritime history
Victorian curiosities
Natural history and field equipment
Antique telescopes and spyglasses
It would also make a wonderful decorative object for a library, study, gentleman's office, country house or nautical interior.
 
Condition
Good original antique condition and fully functional.
The telescope has been tested and the optics are working.
The brass retains its attractive natural age and patina, with some expected surface wear and marks from approximately 140 years of use.
The original black leather covering remains in good condition.
There is only one minor imperfection to note: the tiny retaining pin normally fitted to the eyepiece cover is missing. This does not affect the operation of the telescope. The eyepiece cover still slides open and closed easily and performs its intended function.
 
Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
 
The picture showing the telescope in a period setting is included to give context, please be aware that it has been AI generated and so please rely on the actual dimensions given here for accurate sizing; other items that may be shown in the picture are not included in the sale.
 
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