Pocket telescope

This achromatic telescope has a mahogany and brass barrel and three brass draw tubes. The brass fittings include sliding objective and eyepiece lens covers and an extending sunshade.

There is no maker's name on the telescope, but it is very similar to examples made by the Dollond firm, London's premier makers of optical instruments at this time. They sold many telescopes like this, which were commonly used on board ship for general observations.

Object Details

ID: NAV1609
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Pocket telescope
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Date made: circa 1790; circa 1830
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 286 mm; Diameter: 60 mm
Parts: Pocket telescope