Description

From a large home in Sussex, England, where antiques were collected by the family over many generations, an early 19th century period English refracting gentleman's library telescope on a folding cabriole leg table top stand. Engraved to the objective edge "J. Hillum, 109 Bishopsgate Street, within London."
Bishopsgate Street was known as the home of makers of fine scientific instruments during this period.
Joseph Hillum was an optician who also made barometers, thermometers and other intstruments.
This all brass period refracting telescope is a wonderful instrument that wealthy gentleman and ladies of the period kept on their library table at home, and often transported to their holiday destinations. The eye tube has a draw tube used to adjust the magnification. The telescope has thumb wheel rack & pinion fine focus. This fine, 31 in. long (with draw tube fully open) bodied telescope, with removable dust cap to the objective, stands only 13.25 inches high which puts it in the class of “library telescope,” which is a smaller instrument than the much more common larger telescopes. The telescope has a two inch diameter objective and sits on a compass joint atop the removable cabriole leg tripod stand which folds for storage. The stand is 9.75 inches wide open.
For transport- The stand separates from the telescope and folds.
Size-closed is 27.75 inches long by 2.25 inches wide. Open, it extends to 31 inches long. The stand closed is 2.75 inches wide by 15.5 inches long.
The optics are in full working condition, and there are additional included eye pieces and caps as pictured. The whole instrument is in very good original antique condition allowing for some marks commensurate with its use over many years. With original lacquered finish.
A really lovely antique instrument to both use and also proudly display as a decorative accessory.
An excellent gift for the gentleman who has almost everything!
Item will ship from the USA.
There are few things more attractive and desirable than an antique telescope.
Please click on my personal website link in the top left column of this page, or go to www.serpentineantiques.co.uk to see additional items not listed on this site. If you would like additional photos, I am happy to provide them.
Inventory is located in different locations, so please email to verify availability. Thank you.
Internal Ref: 6086