Fine example of a high quality 'Day or Night' 19th Century telescope. It is a powerful leather clad telescope with brass tubes and an extending sun shade. It has an additional objective cap with a sliding cover and a sliding eyepiece cover. It is engraved "Tho.s Harris & Sons. Opticians to the Royal Family. No.52 Opposite the British Museum. London. Improved for Day or Night".
Approximate Measurements :
Closed Length : 11 1/2" (29cm)
Extended Length : 32" (81cm)
Front Lens Diameter : 2 1/4" (5.5cm)
The telescope is in good condition for its age. It is fully functional with undamaged lenses. The lenses are generally clean and they produce a clear and crisp image, although I expect they would probably benefit from a clean. The brass tubes have some small dents and dinks and wear on the lacquer and the leather has some minor signs of age and use but nothing detrimental. The draws have a smooth but firm action and the brasswork has been cleaned and lightly polished. There is a mark on the engraved tube underneath 'London' which looks as though it is underlining the maker's details however it is deeper than I'd expect the engraving to be so may be a small split in the tube.
Please bear in mind this is a 150 year old telescope so please don't expect it to be like new.
