ANTIQUE TELESCOPES
The telescope has been used aboard ships and at sea since it was first invented, they played an important role in marine navigation because they enabled the user to see further than using just the naked eye. By using the telescope, other ships, land or any impending danger could be observed earlier due to the magnifcation of distant objects. Initially the telescope had poor quality lenses with a low magnification, they were also lengthy with a narrow feild of vision which made them difficult to use at sea. During the mid 18th century the quality of the lenses improved and this enabled the telescope to be reduced in length, offering better magnification and a wider feild of vision. The marine or mariners telescope usually has a single drawer and a larger diameter objective lens, this makes the telescope easier to use on the deck of a rolling ship.
Below is our selection of antique marine and mariners telescopes.
Antique mariners single drawer telescope by Jones, London.
A presentation antique mariners single drawer telescope, mounted on a bespoke hardwood display stand.
The brass drawer is beautifully hand engraved Jones, London, Day or Night.
The main body of the telescope is made from Teak, conical eyepiece with sliding lens shutter. the objective lens has a press on lens cap with sliding lens shutter.
Max length on stand: 94cm / 37 inches. Width of stand: 11cm / 4.25 inches.
Maximum diameter of telescope: 6.5cm / 2.5 inches. CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS AND INFO
Antique mariners single drawer telescope by Ross, London.
Antique mariners single drawer telescope, covered with sailors 'fancywork' rope decoration
The brass drawer is beautifully hand engraved Ross, London.
The main body of the telescope is made from brass and covered in a spiral ropework with Turks head knot at either end. Flared eyepiece with sliding lens shutter. The objective lens cap is missing.
Max length open: 79cm / 31 inches. Max length closed: 63cm / 24.75 inches.
Maximum diameter of telescope: 6.5cm / 2.5 inches. CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS AND INFO
Antique mariners brass & leather covered single drawer telescope
Antique mariners single drawer telescope, covered with leather.
The main body of the telescope is made from brass and covered in black leather for grip. Tapering eyepiece with sliding lens shutter. The objective lens has a sliding sun shade extension with sliding lens protector.
This telecope has no makers mark or signature.
Max length open: 84cm / 33 inches. ( excluding extending sun shade )
Max length closed: 49.5cm / 19.5 inches.
Maximum diameter of telescope: 6.5cm / 2.5 inches. CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS AND INFO
Antique mariners single drawer telescope with mahogany body tube.
Antique mariners single drawer telescope, mahogany and brass.
The main body of the telescope is made from mahogany with brass fittings. Flared eyepiece with sliding lens shutter. The objective lens has a fixed sun shade extension..
This telecope has no makers mark or signature.
Max length open: 88cm / 34.75 inches.
Max length closed: 72cm / 28.5 inches.
Maximum diameter of telescope: 6.5cm / 2.5 inches. CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS AND INFO
Antique mariners single drawer telescope engraved S.S. MATCHING.
Antique mariners single drawer telescope, covered with sailors 'fancywork' rope decoration.
The brass drawer is hand engraved S.S. MATCHING.
The main body of the telescope is made from brass and covered in a spiral ropework. Flared eyepiece with sliding lens shutter. The objective lens has a press on lens cap.
Max length open: 78cm / 30.75 inches. Max length closed: 62.5cm / 24.5 inches.
Maximum diameter of telescope: 6.5cm / 2.5 inches. CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS AND INFO
Antique mariners single drawer telescope, by ENBEECO, London
Antique mariners single drawer telescope, Royal Navy / British Admiralty Officer of the Watch (OOW) pattern
The main body of the telescope is made from brass and covered in brown leather for grip. The brass fittings are chrome plated, It has a flared eyepiece with sliding lens shutter. The objective lens has a screw on sun shade extension.
This telecope is machine engraved: COMMODORE, 20X, ENBEECO, LONDON. Made by NEWBOLD & BULFORD (N&B CO = ENBEECO )
Max length open: 59.5 cm / 23.5 inches.
Max length closed: 43cm / 16.75 inches.
Maximum diameter of telescope: 4 cm / 1.5 inches. CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS AND INFO
Antique mariners brass & leather covered single drawer telescope (2)
Antique mariners single drawer telescope, covered with leather.
The main body of the telescope is made from brass and covered in brown leather for grip. Tapering eyepiece with sliding lens shutter. The objective lens also has a sliding lens protector.
This telecope has no makers mark or signature.
Max length open: 87.5cm / 34.5 inches.
Max length closed: 49cm / 19.25 inches.
Maximum diameter of telescope: 6.5cm / 2.5 inches. CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS AND INFO
Antique telescope, S.J. Browning, portsmouth, Royal Yacht Squadron.
Antique three drawer telescope by S.J. Browning.
The first drawer is beautifully hand engraved S.J. Browning, 66 High St, Portsmouth. Optician to Her Majesty & the R.Y.S (Royal Yacht Squadron)
The main body of the telescope is made from hardwood ( ebony ? ) and the brass components are silver plated. Flared eyepiece with sliding lens shutter. The objective lens has an extending sunshade, the press on lens cap is missing.
Max length open: 63.5cm / 25 inches. - Max length closed: 19cm / 7.5 inches.
Maximum diameter of telescope: 4 cm / 1.5 inches. CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS AND INFO
SORRY THIS ANTIQUE TELESCOPE HAS BEEN SOLD
Antique mariners telescope, ten sided, reverse taper single drawer.
Antique mariners telescope, an early 19th Century reverse taper ten sided / decagonal single drawer telescope by Nairne and Blunt. SORRY THIS ITEM HAS BEEN SOLD.
Antique mariners single drawer ten sided telescope
Antique mariners telescope, an early 19th Century ten sided, decagonal single drawer telescope by Dolland. SORRY THIS ITEM HAS BEEN SOLD.