Walking stick telescope

Walking stick telescopes like this were made as gentlemen's fashion accessories rather than as serious observing instruments.

This walking stick unscrews in the middle to reveal a telescope. The stick and telescope barrel are covered in black leather and the telescope has two brass draw tubes. The other brass fittings include a screw-on objective lens cap that also acts as the knob of the walking stick. There is a carrying loop threaded through holes in the barrel.

Object Details

ID: NAV1611
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Walking stick telescope
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Date made: circa 1830
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 917 mm; Diameter: 40 mm
Parts: Walking stick telescope