Antique Ethos

Description

Early 19th Century day or night telescope by renowned maker Thomas Harris & Son of London c1820. Two-draw brass telescope with mahogany barrel. Achromatic objective lens approximately 3.75 cm diameter. Protective sliding brass covers to eyepiece and objective lens. Brass has been cleaned but not polished to leave the telescope as original as possible. Engraved “Harris & Son London Day or Night” to first draw. Day or night telescopes were commonly used on board ship. As the name suggests, they could also be used at night because they had relatively large objective lenses to collect the maximum amount of light. Telescopes of this kind, marketed as “Day or Night,” were particularly valuable to watch officers stationed on deck at night. Closed length is 40 cm. Fully drawn length is 92 cm.
This telescope is in overall very good, working condition. Mahogany on main barrel marked from use (as would be expected) and with original antique patina. No cracks or losses to the mahogany. No significant marks to the brass. Smooth draw action. Optics in good condition commensurate with age. Please see images as these form an important part of the description. Further images available on request.
Viewing by appointment only.
Payment by PayPal or by bank transfer.
Please contact us.