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Large Antique 4 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime Spyglass, W Harris, William IV
Sold by London Fine Antiques
sold SA1220633
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
London Fine Antiques

London Fine Antiques

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Large Antique 4 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime Spyglass, W Harris, William IV

18th century
Sold 30 June 2026 · London Fine Antiques
This “Large Antique 4 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime Spyglass, W Harris, William IV” found a buyer.

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

Description

This is a large antique four draw telescope. An English, brass and mahogany terrestrial or maritime spyglass, dating to the William IV period, circa 1835. Of excellent proportion and finish, this fine optical instrument presents with both practical appeal and decorative presence.

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

Crafted from quality brass, displaying rich golden tones and gentle age patina

Primary barrel dressed in quality stock, with fine grain interest and rich russet hue

Replete with a pleasingly patinated leather carry case, finished in a warm tan hue

Large, bright 48mm diameter objective lens, set within a shallow hood

Eye cup featuring a sliding cover that limits the size of the opening

Smooth action draw tubes, extending and collapsing with ease

Engraved for the maker William Harris, 22 Cornhill - London

Harris occupied this location between 1828 and 1835

Secondary engraving likely for a previous owner, reading CC Harvey

A fine example of a Victorian spyglass, equally suited to terrestrial or maritime observation

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

This antique four draw telescope is a handsome, collectable example, with an elegant finish and enduring appeal for both maritime enthusiasts and antique collectors alike. Delivered ready to enjoy.

Dimensions:

Closed Length: 29.5cm (11.5'')

Fully Drawn: 110.5cm (43.5'')

Objective Diameter: 48mm (2'')

Date of Manufacture

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

Physical Dimensions
Height
5cm (1.97")
Width
5cm (1.97")
Depth
29.5cm (11.61")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1220633
Dealers Internal Reference
26110
Dealers Notes

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

Description
This is a large antique four draw telescope.
“
An English, brass and mahogany terrestrial or maritime spyglass, dating to the William IV period, circa 1835.
London Fine Antiques

Of excellent proportion and finish, this fine optical instrument presents with both practical appeal and decorative presence.

fig 1. A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap.
fig 1. Large Antique 4 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime Spyglass, W Harris, William IV

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

Crafted from quality brass, displaying rich golden tones and gentle age patina

fig 2. A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap.
fig 2. Large Antique 4 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime Spyglass, W Harris, William IV

Primary barrel dressed in quality stock, with fine grain interest and rich russet hue

Replete with a pleasingly patinated leather carry case, finished in a warm tan hue

Large, bright 48mm diameter objective lens, set within a shallow hood

fig 3. A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap.
fig 3. Large Antique 4 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime Spyglass, W Harris, William IV

Eye cup featuring a sliding cover that limits the size of the opening

Smooth action draw tubes, extending and collapsing with ease

Engraved for the maker William Harris, 22 Cornhill - London

Harris occupied this location between 1828 and 1835

fig 4. A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap.
fig 4. Large Antique 4 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime Spyglass, W Harris, William IV

Secondary engraving likely for a previous owner, reading CC Harvey

A fine example of a Victorian spyglass, equally suited to terrestrial or maritime observation

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

fig 5. A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap.
fig 5. Large Antique 4 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime Spyglass, W Harris, William IV

This antique four draw telescope is a handsome, collectable example, with an elegant finish and enduring appeal for both maritime enthusiasts and antique collectors alike. Delivered ready to enjoy.

Dimensions:

Closed Length: 29.5cm (11.5'')

Fully Drawn: 110.5cm (43.5'')

Objective Diameter: 48mm (2'')

Date of Manufacture

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

Height
5cm (1.97")
Width
5cm (1.97")
Depth
29.5cm (11.61")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1220633
Dealers Internal Ref
26110
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

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A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap. SOLD30 JUN 26
1 / 12
Archive I A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap. SOLD30 JUN 26

Large Antique 4 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime Spyglass, W Harris, William IV

Archive II A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap. View II
Archive III A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap. View III
Archive IV A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap. View IV
Archive V A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap. View V
Archive VI A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap. View VI
Archive VII A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap. View VII
Archive VIII A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap. View VIII
Archive IX A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap. View IX
Archive X A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap. View X
Archive XI A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap. View XI
Archive XII A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap. View XII
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Telephone 0207 1833511
Location
The Antique Village
Hele
Exeter
Devon
EX5 4PW
United Kingdom
Verified Since Oct 2010
Items For Sale 948
Items Sold 5,668
London Fine Antiques
London Fine Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2010
View Dealer Info
Location: The Antique Village, Hele, Exeter, Devon , EX5 4PW, United Kingdom
Verified
Oct 2010
For Sale
948
Sold
5,668
A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap.
Large Antique 4 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime Spyglass, W Harris, William IV
Ref: SA1220633
A brass and mahogany four-draw telescope rests horizontally on a small wooden stand next to its leather protective cap.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectScientific Instruments
  • Period18th century
  • StyleWilliam IV / Maritime
  • MaterialBrass, Mahogany, Leather
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsFour draw tubes, Mahogany barrel, Engraved maker details, Leather casing
  • SizeH 5 cm (2 in) x W 5 cm (2 in) x D 29.5 cm (12 in)

Maritime telescopes, also known as spyglasses, were essential navigational instruments used by naval officers and captains from the 18th century onwards to spot land, ships, and navigational hazards at sea.

These instruments were typically constructed using turned brass for the draw tubes, often featuring a mahogany or leather-wrapped main barrel to provide a secure grip and protect the metal.

Authentic period spyglasses often feature hand-engraved maker signatures on the draw tube, multi-draw extension sections, brass end caps, and natural patina consistent with age and maritime use.

This piece can be displayed horizontally on a custom stand upon a desk or bookshelf, adding a touch of nautical heritage and historical character to a study or living space.

To preserve the metal and optics, keep the instrument in a dry environment, clean the brass gently with a soft microfibre cloth without abrasive polishes, and protect leather components with appropriate conservation wax.
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