Spyglass telescope

This Galilean telescope was made as a fashionable accessory rather than as an instrument for scientific use. The wooden barrel is covered in rayskin (shagreen) that has been dyed green, while the single draw tube is made of red leather. The lenses are set in black ivory mounts. The maker's name is stamped on the draw tube as ‘WATKINS / LONDON’.

Object Details

ID: NAV1535
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Spyglass telescope
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Watkins & Smith
Date made: circa 1760
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: Overall: 60 x 35 mm