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Officer of the Watch telescope
This achromatic telescope has a leather-covered barrel with an inset panel showing the flags and pennants of the signal code for 1853-59. The single draw tube and the other fittings, which include a pivoted eyepiece cover and a sliding sunshade, are made of silvered-brass.
Telescopes like this were commonly used in the 19th century for making general observations from the deck of a ship, including reading signals from other ships.
An inscription on the draw tube records that it was made by 'COX, / Devonport / Optician to the / R.W.Y.C.'. The RWYC is the Royal Western Yacht Club, which was founded in 1827. In addition, the letters 'J B' are engraved on the draw tube with a crest of a lion inside a garter. This refers to the telescopes original owner, Captain John Burgess RN, who retired from the Royal Navy in 1873.
Telescopes like this were commonly used in the 19th century for making general observations from the deck of a ship, including reading signals from other ships.
An inscription on the draw tube records that it was made by 'COX, / Devonport / Optician to the / R.W.Y.C.'. The RWYC is the Royal Western Yacht Club, which was founded in 1827. In addition, the letters 'J B' are engraved on the draw tube with a crest of a lion inside a garter. This refers to the telescopes original owner, Captain John Burgess RN, who retired from the Royal Navy in 1873.
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Object Details
| ID: | NAV1573 |
|---|---|
| Collection: | Astronomical and navigational instruments |
| Type: | Officer of the Watch telescope |
| Display location: | Not on display |
| Creator: | Cox, William Charles |
| Date made: | circa 1855 |
| People: | Burgess, John, retfl |
| Credit: | National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London |
| Measurements: | Overall: 420 mm; Diameter: 38 mm |
| Parts: | Officer of the Watch telescope |