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Antique Telescope, a Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th
London Fine Antiques
sold SA545911
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London Fine Antiques

London Fine Antiques

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Antique Telescope, a Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th

1900 - 1920
Description

This is an antique telescope, a single draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An English, 'Officer of the Watch' telescope dating to the early 20th century.

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

Presenting a clear, sharp optical performance

Parallel, leather clad, primary barrel in good order

German silver (copper, zinc and nickel alloy) draw tube and sun shade

Withdraws with a smooth action, easy to focus

30mm (1.25") objective lens

Presents a good, sharp and bright image

Engraved 'A. Franks Ltd, Manchester'

Complete with leather lens cap and swivel dust cover

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

An historic, period piece fine to use today that displays well.

Dimensions:

Max Drawn Length: 62.5cm (24.5'')

Length Closed: 48cm (19'')

Objective Glass Diameter: 30mm (1.25'')

About A. Franks Ltd, Manchester

A. Franks Ltd was an Optician and Instrument Maker

(1879 - 1950)

Founded in the latter part of the 19th century by Louis Aubrey Franks (b.1854), they traded originally as 'L.A.Franks' from 95 Deansgate and later 2-4 King Street, Manchester. Listed as a manufacturer of photographic apparatus, optician and scientific instrument maker.

Following a bankruptcy in 1879, a new firm was formed soon after, an optician trading as A. Franks. Another partnership between Aubrey and Benjamin Franks was also dissolved in 1897.

A Franks would continue to trade until 1950 from various addresses including 2 King Street, 44 Market Street and branches in the 1920s at 73 Oxford Street, 44 Market Street, 12 Victoria Street, 3 South King Street and 20 Bradshaw Gate.

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our antiques.

We ship worldwide with professional packing and attractive rates – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.

Free delivery to most of the U.K. – Please send us your post code for confirmation.

Deliveries taking on average ten working days to arrive at your door from receipt of payment.

Please contact us if you require any further information - we are here to help.

Our Ref: 18.5082

Physical Dimensions
Height
3cm (1.18")
Width
3cm (1.18")
Depth
62cm (24.41")
Declaration

London Fine Antiques has dated this piece to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA545911
Dealers Internal Reference
18.5082
Dealers Notes

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

Description
This is an antique telescope, a single draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An English, 'Officer of the Watch' telescope dating to the early 20th century.

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

fig 1. Antique Telescope, A Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th
fig 1. Antique Telescope, a Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th

Presenting a clear, sharp optical performance

Parallel, leather clad, primary barrel in good order

German silver (copper, zinc and nickel alloy) draw tube and sun shade

Withdraws with a smooth action, easy to focus

fig 2. Antique Telescope, A Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th
fig 2. Antique Telescope, a Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th

30mm (1.25") objective lens

Presents a good, sharp and bright image

Engraved 'A. Franks Ltd, Manchester'

Complete with leather lens cap and swivel dust cover

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

fig 3. Antique Telescope, A Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th
fig 3. Antique Telescope, a Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th

An historic, period piece fine to use today that displays well.

Dimensions:

Max Drawn Length: 62.5cm (24.5'')

Length Closed: 48cm (19'')

Objective Glass Diameter: 30mm (1.25'')

About A. Franks Ltd, Manchester

fig 4. Antique Telescope, A Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th
fig 4. Antique Telescope, a Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th

A. Franks Ltd was an Optician and Instrument Maker

(1879 - 1950)

Founded in the latter part of the 19th century by Louis Aubrey Franks (b.1854), they traded originally as 'L.A.Franks' from 95 Deansgate and later 2-4 King Street, Manchester. Listed as a manufacturer of photographic apparatus, optician and scientific instrument maker.

fig 5. Antique Telescope, A Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th
fig 5. Antique Telescope, a Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th

Following a bankruptcy in 1879, a new firm was formed soon after, an optician trading as A. Franks. Another partnership between Aubrey and Benjamin Franks was also dissolved in 1897.

A Franks would continue to trade until 1950 from various addresses including 2 King Street, 44 Market Street and branches in the 1920s at 73 Oxford Street, 44 Market Street, 12 Victoria Street, 3 South King Street and 20 Bradshaw Gate.

fig 6. Antique Telescope, A Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th
fig 6. Antique Telescope, a Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our antiques.

We ship worldwide with professional packing and attractive rates – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.
London Fine Antiques

Free delivery to most of the U.K. – Please send us your post code for confirmation.

Deliveries taking on average ten working days to arrive at your door from receipt of payment.

Please contact us if you require any further information - we are here to help.

Our Ref: 18.5082

Height
3cm (1.18")
Width
3cm (1.18")
Depth
62cm (24.41")
Date of Manufacture

London Fine Antiques has dated this piece to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA545911
Dealers Internal Ref
18.5082
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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Antique Telescope, A Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th
1 / 8
Archive I Antique Telescope, A Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th

Antique Telescope, a Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th

Archive II Antique Telescope, A Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th View II
Archive III Antique Telescope, A Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th View III
Archive IV Antique Telescope, A Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th View IV
Archive V Antique Telescope, A Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th View V
Archive VI Antique Telescope, A Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th View VI
Archive VII Antique Telescope, A Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th View VII
Archive VIII Antique Telescope, A Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th View VIII
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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 5,604
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
5,604
Antique Telescope, A Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th
Antique Telescope, A Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th
Ref: SA545911
Antique Telescope, A Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch, Early C20th
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