An Important Yachting Telescope

19th century

Sold by The Antique Partnership

Description

An interesting early 19thC telescope with strong connections to Lord Belfast. Made by the excellent London maker Thomas Rubergall probably around 1828 the telescope has a single focusing tube inscribed 'Thos Rubergall Opt'n to H.R.H the Duke of Clarence 24 Coventry St London. Very unusually the focusing tube is silver plated over copper. The eyepiece and objective lens housing are also of copper with the silver plate now attractively well worn. The brass barrel is leather covered and is of a rich colour although parted at the stitched seam which has been infilled with a leather insert. The telescope functions well and the lenses are good. the focusing tube is tight (best used with a rotating action) as the retaining tube leather has been replaced. The whole piece has been well used.

The leather barrel covering is embossed 'Louisa' surmounted by a crown both with remnants of gilding. The leather is further embossed in faded larger letters

'Waterwitch'. Louisa was owned and raced at Lymington by LORD BELFAST 1829-31 after which he acquired the yacht Waterwictch in 1833. It is very likely therefore that this telescope was handled and possibly owned by Lord Belfast an important political and naval figure of the time.

Physical Dimensions

Height

5.1cm (2.01")

Width

63.5cm (25.00")

Depth

5.1cm (2.01")

Declaration

The Antique Partnership has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA761926

Dealers Internal Reference

24058

Dealers Notes

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Description

An interesting early 19thC telescope with strong connections to Lord Belfast.

“

Made by the excellent London maker Thomas Rubergall probably around 1828 the telescope has a single focusing tube inscribed 'Thos Rubergall Opt'n to H.

The Antique Partnership

R.H the Duke of Clarence 24 Coventry St London. Very unusually the focusing tube is silver plated over copper. The eyepiece and objective lens housing are also of copper with the silver plate now attractively well worn. The brass barrel is leather covered and is of a rich colour although parted at the stitched seam which has been infilled with a leather insert. The telescope functions well and the lenses are good. the focusing tube is tight (best used with a rotating action) as the retaining tube leather has been replaced. The whole piece has been well used.

fig 1. An important Yachting telescope — fig 1. An Important Yachting Telescope

The leather barrel covering is embossed 'Louisa' surmounted by a crown both with remnants of gilding. The leather is further embossed in faded larger letters

'Waterwitch'. Louisa was owned and raced at Lymington by LORD BELFAST 1829-31 after which he acquired the yacht Waterwictch in 1833. It is very likely therefore that this telescope was handled and possibly owned by Lord Belfast an important political and naval figure of the time.

Physical Dimensions

Height

5.1cm (2.01")

Width

63.5cm (25.00")

Depth

5.1cm (2.01")

Date of Manufacture

The Antique Partnership has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA761926