Pocket telescope

The barrel of this non-achromatic telescope is covered in rayskin (shagreen) that has been dyed green, while the three draw tubes are made of green vellum. Stop lines marked with dots on the draw tubes indicate the optimum working length of the telescope. The brass fittings include sliding eyepiece and objective lens covers.

The telescope was probably made in England, since the paper lining the draw tubes includes some printed text in English.

Object Details

ID: NAV1518
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Pocket telescope
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Date made: circa 1780
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: Overall: 242 mm; Diameter: 35 mm