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Antique Terrestrial Telescope, English, Single Draw Refractor, Nsl, Victorian
Sold by London Fine Antiques
sold SA808789
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
London Fine Antiques

London Fine Antiques

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Antique Terrestrial Telescope, English, Single Draw Refractor, Nsl, Victorian

19th century
Sold 4 February 2026 · London Fine Antiques
This “Antique Terrestrial Telescope, English, Single Draw Refractor, Nsl, Victorian” 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.

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Description

This is an antique terrestrial telescope. An English, single drawer refractor with National Service League mark, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880.

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

Beautifully presented, large diameter telescope in very good order

Brass primary barrel, sunshade and draw tube show light signs of tarnish

Primary barrel enhanced with leather-bound cover in light caramel hues

Clear, bright objective of impressive proportion at 45mm in diameter(1.75")

Sliding brass sunshade protects the front element from errant rays

Further protection offered by sliding dust caps for the front objective and flared eyecup

Fully drawn to over 1m in length, the single draw tube is engraved 'NSL D 519'

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

During the First World War, Lord and Lady Roberts established a loan scheme for private individuals to lend telescopes, binoculars and field glass to help the war effort. Under the name National Service League, each item was given the initials NSL and a serial number, with the intention to return each surviving item to the lender at the end of the war. This telescope is such an example, proving its inherent fortitude by being several decades old at the time it was called into service.

This is an antique terrestrial telescope with rich colour and storied history, linked to the WWI war effort by way of its National Service League number. Sure to appeal to collectors of military or historical interest, or those seeking a fine antique telescope that's as good today as it was over 100 years ago. Delivered polished and ready to enjoy or display.

Dimensions:

Closed Length: 66cm (26'')

Fully Drawn Length: 109cm (43'')

Objective Glass Diameter: 45mm (1.75'')

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: 18.7486

Physical Dimensions
Height
1cm (0.39")
Width
1cm (0.39")
Depth
109cm (42.91")
Declaration

London Fine Antiques has dated this Antique Brass Telescope to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA808789
Dealers Internal Reference
18.7486
Dealers Notes

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

Description
This is an antique terrestrial telescope.
“
An English, single drawer refractor with National Service League mark, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880.
London Fine Antiques

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

fig 1. An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand.
fig 1. Antique Terrestrial Telescope, English, Single Draw Refractor, Nsl, Victorian

Beautifully presented, large diameter telescope in very good order

Brass primary barrel, sunshade and draw tube show light signs of tarnish

Primary barrel enhanced with leather-bound cover in light caramel hues

fig 2. An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand.
fig 2. Antique Terrestrial Telescope, English, Single Draw Refractor, Nsl, Victorian

Clear, bright objective of impressive proportion at 45mm in diameter(1.75")

Sliding brass sunshade protects the front element from errant rays

Further protection offered by sliding dust caps for the front objective and flared eyecup

fig 3. An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand.
fig 3. Antique Terrestrial Telescope, English, Single Draw Refractor, Nsl, Victorian

Fully drawn to over 1m in length, the single draw tube is engraved 'NSL D 519'

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

During the First World War, Lord and Lady Roberts established a loan scheme for private individuals to lend telescopes, binoculars and field glass to help the war effort. Under the name National Service League, each item was given the initials NSL and a serial number, with the intention to return each surviving item to the lender at the end of the war. This telescope is such an example, proving its inherent fortitude by being several decades old at the time it was called into service.

fig 4. An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand.
fig 4. Antique Terrestrial Telescope, English, Single Draw Refractor, Nsl, Victorian

This is an antique terrestrial telescope with rich colour and storied history, linked to the WWI war effort by way of its National Service League number. Sure to appeal to collectors of military or historical interest, or those seeking a fine antique telescope that's as good today as it was over 100 years ago. Delivered polished and ready to enjoy or display.

fig 5. An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand.
fig 5. Antique Terrestrial Telescope, English, Single Draw Refractor, Nsl, Victorian

Dimensions:

Closed Length: 66cm (26'')

Fully Drawn Length: 109cm (43'')

Objective Glass Diameter: 45mm (1.75'')

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.

fig 6. An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand.
fig 6. Antique Terrestrial Telescope, English, Single Draw Refractor, Nsl, Victorian

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: 18.7486

Height
1cm (0.39")
Width
1cm (0.39")
Depth
109cm (42.91")
Date of Manufacture

London Fine Antiques has dated this Antique Brass Telescope to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA808789
Dealers Internal Ref
18.7486
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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An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 12
Archive I An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Antique Terrestrial Telescope, English, Single Draw Refractor, Nsl, Victorian

Archive II An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand. View II
Archive III An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand. View III
Archive IV An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand. View IV
Archive V An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand. View V
Archive VI An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand. View VI
Archive VII An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand. View VII
Archive VIII An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand. View VIII
Archive IX An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand. View IX
Archive X An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand. View X
Archive XI An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand. View XI
Archive XII An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand. View XII
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London Fine Antiques

London Fine Antiques
Telephone 0207 1833511
Location
The Antique Village
Hele
Exeter
Devon
EX5 4PW
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/londonfineantiques
Verified Since Oct 2010
Items For Sale 950
Items Sold 5,639
London Fine Antiques
London Fine Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2010
View Dealer Info
Location: The Antique Village, Hele, Exeter, Devon , EX5 4PW, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/londonfineantiques
Verified
Oct 2010
For Sale
950
Sold
5,639
An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand.
Antique Terrestrial Telescope, English, Single Draw Refractor, NSL, Victorian
Ref: SA808789
An antique single draw brass telescope wrapped in brown leather rests horizontally upon a fitted wooden display stand.
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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectScientific Instruments
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialBrass, Leather, Wood
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsSingle draw mechanism, Leather covered barrel, Polished brass fittings, Fitted wooden stand
  • SizeH 1 cm (0 in) x W 1 cm (0 in) x D 109 cm (43 in)

FAQs

A terrestrial telescope is an optical instrument designed specifically for viewing distant objects on land, differing from astronomical models by using an erecting lens system to provide an upright image.

Victorian optical instruments were typically constructed from polished brass barrels, often wrapped in stitched leather, mahogany, or shagreen, and housed glass lenses ground by hand.

Authentic pieces generally feature hand-engraved maker signatures on the draw tube, heavy gauge brass components, correct patina from age, and traditional single or multi-draw mechanisms.

Displaying the instrument on a study desk, bookshelf, or mantelpiece adds an element of classical exploration and academic sophistication to a room.

Maintain the brass with a microfibre cloth to remove dust, avoiding aggressive metal polishes that strip historical patina, and keep lenses free from moisture and direct sunlight.
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