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Handsome Antique Brass Telescope - Thomas Harris & Son, Opticians to the Royal Family – Circa 1870
Sold by Kingsdown Antiques
sold SA1166695
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Kingsdown Antiques

Kingsdown Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2015
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Handsome Antique Brass Telescope - Thomas Harris & Son, Opticians to the Royal Family – Circa 1870

19th century
Sold 6 November 2025 · Kingsdown Antiques
This “Handsome Antique Brass Telescope - Thomas Harris & Son, Opticians to the Royal Family – Circa 1870” found a buyer.

It was listed by Kingsdown Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Description

A Handsome Antique Brass & Mahogany Telescope made by Thomas Harris & Son, renowned opticians to the Royal Family and suppliers of precision instruments to scholars, explorers, and navigators of the era from 1808 to 1901. The barrel is finely inscribed: “Thos. Harris & Son, Opticians to the Royal Family, No. 52 Opposite the British Museum, London” – circa 1870.

Measurements:

Length (open): 15" (approx. 38cm)

Length (closed): 5 3/4" (approx. 14.5cm)

Total weight: 269g

In good condition – Signs of age and handling, including light surface wear and patina, consistent with its early 19th-century origins. Please note that the first lens has been replaced at some point and is also missing its lens shutter pin.

Physical Dimensions
Height
38cm (14.96")
Declaration

Kingsdown Antiques has dated this Antique Brass Telescope to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1166695
Dealers Internal Reference
P51670
Dealers Notes

***IMPORTANT NOTE***

Dear customers,

Just a quick note to let you know that I’ll be on vacation from Wednesday, 7th October 2026 through to Wednesday, 14th October 2026, so the shop will be closed during this time.

If you have an order already in process, please rest assured I’ll be keeping a close eye on any messages relating to it - and I’ll address any issues as soon as I can. Items are still available to purchase, and all new orders received while I’m away will be processed promptly when the shop reopens on Thursday, 15th October 2026.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Warmest wishes,

Jozef

Kingsdown Antiques

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Description
A Handsome Antique Brass & Mahogany Telescope made by Thomas Harris & Son, renowned opticians to the Royal Family and suppliers of precision instruments to scholars, explorers, and navigators of the era from 1808 to 1901. The barrel is finely inscribed: “Thos. Harris & Son, Opticians to the Royal Family, No. 52 Opposite the British Museum, London” – circa 1870.
fig 1. An antique multi-draw brass and wood telescope lies diagonally against a plain white background.
fig 1. Handsome Antique Brass Telescope - Thomas Harris & Son, Opticians to the Royal Family – Circa 1870

Measurements:

Length (open): 15" (approx. 38cm)

Length (closed): 5 3/4" (approx. 14.5cm)

Total weight: 269g

“
In good condition – Signs of age and handling, including light surface wear and patina, consistent with its early 19th-century origins.
Kingsdown Antiques

Please note that the first lens has been replaced at some point and is also missing its lens shutter pin.

Height
38cm (14.96")
Date of Manufacture

Kingsdown Antiques has dated this Antique Brass Telescope to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1166695
Dealers Internal Ref
P51670
Kingsdown Antiques
Kingsdown Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2015

Trustworthy reliable professional. Free UK & worldwide shipping

Dealer Profile

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

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An antique multi-draw brass and wood telescope lies diagonally against a plain white background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 9
Archive I An antique multi-draw brass and wood telescope lies diagonally against a plain white background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Handsome Antique Brass Telescope - Thomas Harris & Son, Opticians to the Royal Family – Circa 1870

Archive II An antique multi-draw brass and wood telescope lies diagonally against a plain white background. View II
Archive III An antique multi-draw brass and wood telescope lies diagonally against a plain white background. View III
Archive IV An antique multi-draw brass and wood telescope lies diagonally against a plain white background. View IV
Archive V An antique multi-draw brass and wood telescope lies diagonally against a plain white background. View V
Archive VI An antique multi-draw brass and wood telescope lies diagonally against a plain white background. View VI
Archive VII An antique multi-draw brass and wood telescope lies diagonally against a plain white background. View VII
Archive VIII An antique multi-draw brass and wood telescope lies diagonally against a plain white background. View VIII
Archive IX An antique multi-draw brass and wood telescope lies diagonally against a plain white background. View IX
Enlarged Archival View
Kingsdown Antiques

Kingsdown Antiques
Telephone 07402 643497
Location
Bristol
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/denby
Verified Since Jun 2015
Items For Sale 251
Items Sold 3,026
Kingsdown Antiques
Kingsdown Antiques
Verified Since Jun 2015
View Dealer Info
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/denby
Verified
Jun 2015
For Sale
251
Sold
3,026
An antique multi-draw brass and wood telescope lies diagonally against a plain white background.
Handsome Antique Brass Telescope - Thomas Harris & Son, Opticians to the Royal Family – circa 1870
Ref: SA1166695
An antique multi-draw brass and wood telescope lies diagonally against a plain white background.
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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectScientific Instruments
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialBrass, Wood
  • ColourBrass Gold
  • MotifsMulti-draw telescoping barrels, Engraved maker inscription, Wood barrel cladding
  • SizeH 38 cm (15 in)

FAQs

Victorian brass telescopes are optical instruments produced during the reign of Queen Victoria (18371901), typically used for maritime navigation, terrestrial viewing, and leisure.

These instruments are typically constructed from polished brass barrels, often paired with wood or leather body grips, and feature glass lenses housed within threaded metal fittings.

Authentic pieces often feature maker signatures or hallmarks engraved on the draw tube, multi-draw telescoping brass sections, hand-fitted components, and natural patina consistent with age.

An antique telescope functions well as a decorative object on a desk, bookshelf, or mantelpiece, adding a touch of nautical history and classic scholarly character to a room.

Preserve the piece by keeping it in a stable environment away from high humidity, dusting the brass gently with a soft cloth without using abrasive metal cleaners that remove historic patina.
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