Day or night telescope

This achromatic telescope has a mahogany barrel and a single silvered brass draw tube. There is a second draw tube that is interchangeable with the first. Both draw tubes are inscribed with the maker's name, ‘Dollond / London’. One is also inscribed 'For Day objects', while the other has the words 'Day or Night' and is longer. The other silvered brass fittings include a pivoted eyepiece cover. A further spare lens was presented with this telescope the purpose of which has not been determined.

This telescope was once owned by Captain T.R. Brigstokce (died 1871), and is typical of those used on board ship in the mid 19th century.

Object Details

ID: NAV1594
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Day or night telescope
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Dollond & Aitchison
Date made: circa 1840
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: Overall: 1000 mm; Diameter: 70 mm
Parts: Day or night telescope