Portable telescope

This crudely made non-achromatic telescope has three draw tubes. The barrel and two of the draw tubes are made of leather, while the smallest draw tube is made of iron. The other fittings are of leather and horn and include a tapering sun shade fixed to the end of the barrel. The eyepiece has a metal cap.

This is believed to be an early example, although the lenses are quite large for a 17th century telescope.

Object Details

ID: NAV1556
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Portable telescope
Display location: Display - Tudor and Stuart Seafarers Gallery
Creator: Unknown
Date made: circa 1650
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: Length: 385 mm (closed, with cap), 1023 mm (open, approx); Diameter: 57 mm (barrel), 68 mm (max)