Search 0
• 219 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS
Sorted by
Per page
JOIN AS A SELLER DEALER LOGIN
Selling Antiques Logo
0
Saved
GIFTSNEW
219 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 #SA1192002
SOLD
Email Phone
Save
Victorian Brass Library Telescope
Sold by In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
sold SA1192002
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2016
Browse dealers 262 items
  • About Us
    Selling good quality victorian, georgian and earlier furniture, accessories & decorative items. Ashburton, devon. LAPADA member
  • Trade Associations
    In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA
Relevant Links
Id #SA1192002
PDF SHARE
SAVE

Victorian Brass Library Telescope

19th century
Description

A lovely antique library telescope on its original folding tripod, dating from the late 19th Century. The telescope is made of lacquered brass and has a main large tube with two additional extending tubes which can be adjusted to provide the focus. The eyepiece tube provides the fine focus using the rack and pinion knob on the side.

The telescope sits on a short folding brass tripod. Two screws below the telescope fix it onto the stand. The stand allows the telescope to swivel completely around and be angled up and down.

Both the telescope and stand are in good original condition and display well - a real statement piece. The telescope is not in perfect condition but there are no major damages. It has suffered some minor dinks and small knocks and surface marks to the tube and the lacquer has tarnished and worn slightly in places. The lenses are undamaged and produce a clear and crisp image with a good range and clarity.

The telescope comes with its original fitted pine box. There are some signs of age and use around the box - some old splits, knocks and marks but overall it displays well and is strong and sturdy.

Approximate Measurements :

Length of Telescope : 44 1/2" (113cm) to 51 1/2" (131cm)

Height on Stand : 21" (53cm)

Diameter of Stand : 15" (38cm)

Front Lens Diameter : 3" (7.5cm)

The best description comes from the photos so please look at them all carefully and if you have any questions just ask.

Tracked UK Delivery £25

Physical Dimensions
Height
53cm (20.87")
Width
131cm (51.57")
Declaration

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors has dated this Victorian Brass Library Telescope to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1192002
Description
A lovely antique library telescope on its original folding tripod, dating from the late 19th Century.
“
The telescope is made of lacquered brass and has a main large tube with two additional extending tubes which can be adjusted to provide the focus.
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

The eyepiece tube provides the fine focus using the rack and pinion knob on the side.

fig 1. A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base.
fig 1. Victorian Brass Library Telescope

The telescope sits on a short folding brass tripod. Two screws below the telescope fix it onto the stand. The stand allows the telescope to swivel completely around and be angled up and down.

Both the telescope and stand are in good original condition and display well - a real statement piece. The telescope is not in perfect condition but there are no major damages. It has suffered some minor dinks and small knocks and surface marks to the tube and the lacquer has tarnished and worn slightly in places. The lenses are undamaged and produce a clear and crisp image with a good range and clarity.

fig 2. A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base.
fig 2. Victorian Brass Library Telescope

The telescope comes with its original fitted pine box. There are some signs of age and use around the box - some old splits, knocks and marks but overall it displays well and is strong and sturdy.

Approximate Measurements :

fig 3. A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base.
fig 3. Victorian Brass Library Telescope

Length of Telescope : 44 1/2" (113cm) to 51 1/2" (131cm)

Height on Stand : 21" (53cm)

Diameter of Stand : 15" (38cm)

Front Lens Diameter : 3" (7.5cm)

The best description comes from the photos so please look at them all carefully and if you have any questions just ask.

Tracked UK Delivery £25

Height
53cm (20.87")
Width
131cm (51.57")
Date of Manufacture

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors has dated this Victorian Brass Library Telescope to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1192002
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2016

Selling good quality victorian, georgian and earlier furniture, accessories & decorative items. Ashburton, devon. LAPADA member

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors Profile Page

Trade Associations

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

PDF SHARE
SAVE
A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 18
Archive I A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Victorian Brass Library Telescope

Archive II A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base. View II
Archive III A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base. View III
Archive IV A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base. View IV
Archive V A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base. View V
Archive VI A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base. View VI
Archive VII A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base. View VII
Archive VIII A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base. View VIII
Archive IX A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base. View IX
Archive X A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base. View X
Archive XI A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base. View XI
Archive XII A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base. View XII
Archive XIII A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base. View XIII
Archive XIV A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base. View XIV
Archive XV A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base. View XV
Archive XVI A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base. View XVI
Archive XVII A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base. View XVII
Archive XVIII A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base. View XVIII
Enlarged Archival View
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
Telephone 07800 561 203 or 01364 654 648
Location
7 North Street
Ashburton
Devon
TQ13 7QJ
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/nutshell
Verified Since Aug 2016
Items For Sale 262
Items Sold 3,717
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
Verified Since Aug 2016
View Dealer Info
Location: 7 North Street, Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7QJ, United Kingdom, , Opening hours:, Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/nutshell
Verified
Aug 2016
For Sale
262
Sold
3,717
A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base.
Victorian Brass Library Telescope
Ref: SA1192002
A Victorian brass library telescope supported by a black cast iron tripod desktop base.
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
Detail View 12
Detail View 13
Detail View 14
Detail View 15
Detail View 16
Detail View 17
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
  • ObjectScientific Instruments
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialBrass, Cast Iron
  • ColourGold, Black
  • MotifsBrass barrel, Tripod base, Draw tube, Knuckle joint
  • SizeH 53 cm (21 in) x W 131 cm (52 in)

FAQs

A library telescope is a compact tabletop optical instrument designed during the nineteenth century for terrestrial observation and astronomy from domestic interiors. These instruments were primarily displayed on desks or window sills within private libraries and studies.

These telescopes were typically constructed with polished brass draw tubes and main barrels, combined with glass achromatic lenses. The supporting desktop tripod bases were commonly cast in iron or brass to ensure stability during use.

Authentic pieces feature precision-threaded brass joinery, natural patination across metal surfaces, and hand-engraved maker marks near the eyepiece or main barrel. Original optics often display minor internal inclusions consistent with historic glassmaking techniques.

Place the telescope on an executive desk, deep window sill, or sideboard top alongside leather-bound volumes and globes. Position the barrel parallel to a focal view or angled upward to accentuate its geometric silhouette.

Dust metal surfaces regularly with a dry microfibre cloth and avoid harsh chemical abrasives that strip aged patina. Lenses should only be cleaned using specialised optical swabs to prevent scratching historical glass.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Period
Style
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Recently Added
Online Payments
Categories