Spyglass telescope

This Galilean telescope was made as a fashion accessory. The barrel is made of tortoiseshell, while the single draw tube and other fittings are silver. The maker's name is inscribed on the draw tube which also has a single stop line engraved around it to indicate the working length of the telescope. The original case, which is covered in rayskin, also survives.

Object Details

ID: NAV1533
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Spyglass telescope
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Nairne & Blunt; Nairne, Edward
Date made: circa 1780
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: Overall: 66 mm; Diameter: 54 mm
Parts: Spyglass telescope