Search 0
15,824  PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 28 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS
Sorted by
Per page
JOIN AS A SELLER DEALER LOGIN
Selling Antiques Logo
0
Saved
GIFTS
28 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 #SA870720
SOLD
Email Phone
Save
Large Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Negretti and Zambra, 1880
Sold by London Fine Antiques
sold SA870720
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
London Fine Antiques

London Fine Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2010
Browse dealers 944 items
  • About Us
    Fine antiques curated in england and sold worldwide
↓ Relevant Links
Id #SA870720
PDF SHARE
SAVE

Large Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Negretti and Zambra, 1880

19th century
Sold 29 September 2025 · London Fine Antiques
This “Large Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Negretti and Zambra, 1880” 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.

Find more for sale
Antique Marine TelescopeAntique Tabletop TelescopeBrass Spyglass Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

This is a large antique 'officer of the watch' telescope. An English, single draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use by Negretti and Zambra of London, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1880.

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

Wonderfully presented example of an Officer of the Watch type telescope

Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order

The primary barrel dressed with a tightly wound and weathered string jacket

Eye-catching silvered and brassed metalwork offers great tonality

Single tube draws smoothly with a reassuring action

Usefully sized 39mm (1.5'') primary objective in good, clear order

Generous sliding sun shade provides cover from distracting rays and flares

Concave eyecup with drop-in sliding dust cover

Engraved in delightful cursive for Negretti and Zambra, London

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

This is a fascinating antique telescope, an example of the Officer of the Watch type favoured onboard in the 19th century by the highly regarded Negretti and Zambra - also known for their expertise in barometers and interests in furthering the art of photography. Delivered polished and ready to display or enjoy.

Dimensions:

Closed Length: 50cm (19.75'')

Fully Drawn Length: 98cm (38.5'')

Objective Diameter: 39mm (1.5'')

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: 18.8060

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

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

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA870720
Dealers Internal Reference
18.8060
Dealers Notes

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

Description
This is a large antique 'officer of the watch' telescope.
“
An English, single draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use by Negretti and Zambra of London, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1880.
London Fine Antiques
fig 1. A horizontal antique brass telescope on a wooden stand, featuring a dark cord-wrapped barrel and polished brass fittings.
fig 1. Large Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Negretti and Zambra, 1880

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

Wonderfully presented example of an Officer of the Watch type telescope

fig 2. A horizontal antique brass telescope on a wooden stand, featuring a dark cord-wrapped barrel and polished brass fittings.
fig 2. Large Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Negretti and Zambra, 1880

Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order

The primary barrel dressed with a tightly wound and weathered string jacket

Eye-catching silvered and brassed metalwork offers great tonality

Single tube draws smoothly with a reassuring action

fig 3. A horizontal antique brass telescope on a wooden stand, featuring a dark cord-wrapped barrel and polished brass fittings.
fig 3. Large Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Negretti and Zambra, 1880

Usefully sized 39mm (1.5'') primary objective in good, clear order

Generous sliding sun shade provides cover from distracting rays and flares

Concave eyecup with drop-in sliding dust cover

Engraved in delightful cursive for Negretti and Zambra, London

fig 4. A horizontal antique brass telescope on a wooden stand, featuring a dark cord-wrapped barrel and polished brass fittings.
fig 4. Large Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Negretti and Zambra, 1880

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

This is a fascinating antique telescope, an example of the Officer of the Watch type favoured onboard in the 19th century by the highly regarded Negretti and Zambra - also known for their expertise in barometers and interests in furthering the art of photography. Delivered polished and ready to display or enjoy.

fig 5. A horizontal antique brass telescope on a wooden stand, featuring a dark cord-wrapped barrel and polished brass fittings.
fig 5. Large Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Negretti and Zambra, 1880

Dimensions:

Closed Length: 50cm (19.75'')

Fully Drawn Length: 98cm (38.5'')

Objective Diameter: 39mm (1.5'')

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. A horizontal antique brass telescope on a wooden stand, featuring a dark cord-wrapped barrel and polished brass fittings.
fig 6. Large Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Negretti and Zambra, 1880

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: 18.8060

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

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

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA870720
Dealers Internal Ref
18.8060
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

PDF SHARE
SAVE
A horizontal antique brass telescope on a wooden stand, featuring a dark cord-wrapped barrel and polished brass fittings. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 9
Archive I A horizontal antique brass telescope on a wooden stand, featuring a dark cord-wrapped barrel and polished brass fittings. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Large Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Negretti and Zambra, 1880

Archive II A horizontal antique brass telescope on a wooden stand, featuring a dark cord-wrapped barrel and polished brass fittings. View II
Archive III A horizontal antique brass telescope on a wooden stand, featuring a dark cord-wrapped barrel and polished brass fittings. View III
Archive IV A horizontal antique brass telescope on a wooden stand, featuring a dark cord-wrapped barrel and polished brass fittings. View IV
Archive V A horizontal antique brass telescope on a wooden stand, featuring a dark cord-wrapped barrel and polished brass fittings. View V
Archive VI A horizontal antique brass telescope on a wooden stand, featuring a dark cord-wrapped barrel and polished brass fittings. View VI
Archive VII A horizontal antique brass telescope on a wooden stand, featuring a dark cord-wrapped barrel and polished brass fittings. View VII
Archive VIII A horizontal antique brass telescope on a wooden stand, featuring a dark cord-wrapped barrel and polished brass fittings. View VIII
Archive IX A horizontal antique brass telescope on a wooden stand, featuring a dark cord-wrapped barrel and polished brass fittings. View IX
FURTHER BROWSING

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Enlarged Archival View
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 944
Items Sold 5,653
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
944
Sold
5,653
A horizontal antique brass telescope on a wooden stand, featuring a dark cord-wrapped barrel and polished brass fittings.
Large Antique Officer Of The Watch Telescope, English, Negretti and Zambra, 1880
Ref: SA870720
A horizontal antique brass telescope on a wooden stand, featuring a dark cord-wrapped barrel and polished brass fittings.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
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, Mahogany, Leather, Cord
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsCord-wrapped barrel, Polished brass fittings, Wooden display stand, Extendable draw tubes
  • SizeH 1 cm (0 in) x W 1 cm (0 in) x D 1 cm (0 in)

FAQs

An officer of the watch telescope is a portable optical instrument historically used by naval officers aboard ship to scan the horizon, identify distant vessels, and navigate during maritime operations.

These instruments typically feature polished brass barrels, often wrapped in stitched leather, cord, or mahogany for a secure grip at sea, housing precision glass lenses.

Authentic pieces usually feature maker signatures engraved on the draw tube, heavy brass construction with appropriate patina, and hand-tooled leather or cord coverings characteristic of 19th-century workshop methods.

Displaying the instrument on a wooden stand upon a desk, mantelpiece, or bookshelf adds a touch of maritime heritage and serves as a striking focal point in study or living spaces.

Dust brass surfaces gently with a soft microfibre cloth and avoid harsh chemical polishes to preserve the historical patina. Lenses should be cleaned carefully with professional optical solutions.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Period
Style
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Recently Added
Online Payments
Categories