Search 0
9,016  PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 8 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS
Sorted by
Per page
JOIN AS A SELLER DEALER LOGIN
Selling Antiques Logo
0
Saved
GIFTS
8 ITEMS ADDED TODAY
Home
Return
Dealer Login
500+ Shops
Dealers
Newly Added
0
Saved
Antiques dealer?
Join as a Seller
Sort Order
Items Per Page
sellingantiques.co.uk
Browse Categories
Sort order
Relevant Links
Items per page
ID #SA1153651
FOR SALE
£1,195
Email Phone Buy
Save
Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime, Day or Night, Richardson, Regency
For sale by London Fine Antiques
for sale €1,398     $1,518
£1,195
London Fine Antiques

London Fine Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2010
Browse dealers 944 items
  • About Us
    Fine antiques curated in england and sold worldwide
↓ Relevant Links
Id #SA1153651
PDF SHARE
SAVE

Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime, Day or Night, Richardson, Regency

19th century
Description

This is a large antique 2-draw telescope. An English, terrestrial or maritime ‘Day or Night’ instrument by Richardson of London, dating to the Regency period, circa 1820.

Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky.

A striking and substantial example of Regency optical craftsmanship

Crafted in deep-toned brass, presenting a warm patina and period finish

Primary barrel dressed in lightly aged walnut, with rich caramel hues and fine grain interest

Features two smooth-drawing brass tubes, offering a pleasing tactile action

Engraved to the collar with 'Improved Telescope' – denoting enhanced design features of the era

Rear draw bears the Richardson, London maker’s mark – a respected optician of the time

Second tube finely inscribed 'Adjustment for Greater Magnification power, for Day or Night'

Designed for versatile use across terrestrial or maritime applications

A fine collector's piece for those with interest in early 19th century scientific instruments

Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass 'Captain's Stand' for display

Grand in both proportion and presence, this antique telescope embodies precision, refinement, and Regency era sophistication. A fitting centrepiece for the study, observatory, or gentleman’s library. Delivered ready to enjoy.

Dimensions:

Closed Length: 37.5cm (14.75'')

Fully Drawn: 99.5cm (39.25'')

Objective Diameter: 4cm (1.5'')

Physical Dimensions
Height
4.5cm (1.77")
Width
4.5cm (1.77")
Depth
37.5cm (14.76")
Declaration

London Fine Antiques has dated this Antique Brass Maritime Telescope to the Regency era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1153651
Dealers Internal Reference
25466
Dealers Notes

What our clients have to say: https://www.londonfine.co.uk/pages/reviews

Description
This is a large antique 2-draw telescope.
“
An English, terrestrial or maritime ‘Day or Night’ instrument by Richardson of London, dating to the Regency period, circa 1820.
London Fine Antiques

Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky.

fig 1. An antique Regency two-draw brass and mahogany maritime telescope shown resting on a custom wooden display stand.
fig 1. Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime, Day or Night, Richardson, Regency

A striking and substantial example of Regency optical craftsmanship

Crafted in deep-toned brass, presenting a warm patina and period finish

Primary barrel dressed in lightly aged walnut, with rich caramel hues and fine grain interest

fig 2. An antique Regency two-draw brass and mahogany maritime telescope shown resting on a custom wooden display stand.
fig 2. Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime, Day or Night, Richardson, Regency

Features two smooth-drawing brass tubes, offering a pleasing tactile action

Engraved to the collar with 'Improved Telescope' – denoting enhanced design features of the era

Rear draw bears the Richardson, London maker’s mark – a respected optician of the time

fig 3. An antique Regency two-draw brass and mahogany maritime telescope shown resting on a custom wooden display stand.
fig 3. Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime, Day or Night, Richardson, Regency

Second tube finely inscribed 'Adjustment for Greater Magnification power, for Day or Night'

Designed for versatile use across terrestrial or maritime applications

A fine collector's piece for those with interest in early 19th century scientific instruments

fig 4. An antique Regency two-draw brass and mahogany maritime telescope shown resting on a custom wooden display stand.
fig 4. Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime, Day or Night, Richardson, Regency

Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass 'Captain's Stand' for display

Grand in both proportion and presence, this antique telescope embodies precision, refinement, and Regency era sophistication. A fitting centrepiece for the study, observatory, or gentleman’s library. Delivered ready to enjoy.

Dimensions:

Closed Length: 37.5cm (14.75'')

Fully Drawn: 99.5cm (39.25'')

Objective Diameter: 4cm (1.5'')

Height
4.5cm (1.77")
Width
4.5cm (1.77")
Depth
37.5cm (14.76")
Date of Manufacture

London Fine Antiques has dated this Antique Brass Maritime Telescope to the Regency era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1153651
Dealers Internal Ref
25466
London Fine Antiques
London Fine Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2010

Fine antiques curated in england and sold worldwide

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the London Fine Antiques Profile Page

PDF SHARE
SAVE
An antique Regency two-draw brass and mahogany maritime telescope shown resting on a custom wooden display stand.
1 / 12
Archive I An antique Regency two-draw brass and mahogany maritime telescope shown resting on a custom wooden display stand.

Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime, Day or Night, Richardson, Regency

Archive II An antique Regency two-draw brass and mahogany maritime telescope shown resting on a custom wooden display stand. View II
Archive III An antique Regency two-draw brass and mahogany maritime telescope shown resting on a custom wooden display stand. View III
Archive IV An antique Regency two-draw brass and mahogany maritime telescope shown resting on a custom wooden display stand. View IV
Archive V An antique Regency two-draw brass and mahogany maritime telescope shown resting on a custom wooden display stand. View V
Archive VI An antique Regency two-draw brass and mahogany maritime telescope shown resting on a custom wooden display stand. View VI
Archive VII An antique Regency two-draw brass and mahogany maritime telescope shown resting on a custom wooden display stand. View VII
Archive VIII An antique Regency two-draw brass and mahogany maritime telescope shown resting on a custom wooden display stand. View VIII
Archive IX An antique Regency two-draw brass and mahogany maritime telescope shown resting on a custom wooden display stand. View IX
Archive X An antique Regency two-draw brass and mahogany maritime telescope shown resting on a custom wooden display stand. View X
Archive XI An antique Regency two-draw brass and mahogany maritime telescope shown resting on a custom wooden display stand. View XI
Archive XII An antique Regency two-draw brass and mahogany maritime telescope shown resting on a custom wooden display stand. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
London Fine Antiques

London Fine Antiques
Telephone 0207 1833511
Location
The Antique Village
Hele
Exeter
Devon
EX5 4PW
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/londonfineantiques
Verified Since Oct 2010
Items For Sale 944
Items Sold 5,653
London Fine Antiques
London Fine Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2010
View Dealer Info
Location: The Antique Village, Hele, Exeter, Devon , EX5 4PW, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/londonfineantiques
Verified
Oct 2010
For Sale
944
Sold
5,653
An antique Regency two-draw brass and mahogany maritime telescope shown resting on a custom wooden display stand.
Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime, Day or Night, Richardson, Regency
Ref: SA1153651
An antique Regency two-draw brass and mahogany maritime telescope shown resting on a custom wooden display stand.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Detail View 9
Detail View 10
Detail View 11
Archival Detail

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectTelescopes & Scientific Instruments
  • Period19th century
  • StyleRegency
  • MaterialBrass, Mahogany, Glass
  • ColourWarm Brown, Gold
  • MotifsTwo-draw brass mechanism, Mahogany primary barrel, Extendable lens shade, Sliding eyepiece cover
  • SizeH 4.5 cm (2 in) x W 4.5 cm (2 in) x D 37.5 cm (15 in)

This Regency period terrestrial and maritime day or night telescope originates from England, created around 1820 by the London optician Richardson. The instrument combines a deep-toned brass construction with a warm patina and a primary barrel dressed in lightly aged walnut displaying rich caramel hues and fine grain interest. Two smooth-drawing brass tubes complete the mechanism, resting on a custom wooden display stand. Engravings on the collar denote an improved telescope design, while the rear draw bears the maker mark, alongside an inscription on the second tube for adjustment for greater magnification power. The closed length measures 37.5 cm, extending fully to 99.5 cm with an objective diameter of 4 cm. Positioned on a desk or shelving unit, the instrument serves as a collector piece suited for an office, study, observatory, or gentleman library. Observers can deploy the telescope for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife study, maritime observation, or viewing the night sky. The piece integrates into traditional or maritime-themed interior spaces as a functional decorative object.

FAQs

A Regency maritime day or night telescope is an optical instrument produced during the early nineteenth century designed for nautical navigation. These telescopes feature specific lens configurations that maximize light transmission, allowing sailors to observe distant objects and vessels in both daylight and low-light conditions.

Traditional antique maritime telescopes are primarily constructed from brass draw tubes, housing ground glass lenses. The main barrel is frequently clad in polished mahogany, rosewood, or stitched leather to provide heat insulation and improved grip for sea captains.

Authentic antique telescopes typically feature hand-engraved maker signatures near the eyepiece, natural surface oxidisation or patina on the brass, and minor irregularities from hand-lathe manufacturing. The draw tubes should slide smoothly, and the wooden barrel cladding often displays authentic age-related craquelure or wear.

An antique telescope on a wooden stand works well styled as a focal accent on an executive desk, bookshelf, or mantelpiece. Placing it alongside leather-bound books, globe maps, or brass scientific instruments complements a classic study or dark academia interior scheme.

To preserve an antique telescope, dust the metal and wood components regularly with a soft microfibre cloth. Avoid harsh chemical metal polishes that strip historical patina, and apply a thin layer of microcrystalline wax to protect the brass and mahogany from moisture and fingerprints.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Period
Style
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Recently Added
Online Payments
Categories