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A Small Pocket Naturalist Telescope by J H Steward Ltd, London
Sold by John Hubbard Antiques
sold SA1124179
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
John Hubbard Antiques

John Hubbard Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2014
Browse dealers 103 items
Id #SA1124179
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A Small Pocket Naturalist Telescope by J H Steward Ltd, London

1900 - 1920
Sold 16 March 2025 · John Hubbard Antiques
This “Small Pocket Naturalist Telescope by J H Steward Ltd, London” found a buyer.

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

Description

A small brass six-draw telescope by J H Steward Ltd, 406 The Strand, London. Immaculate leather binding with original lens cover, it extends from 4" (10.2cm) to 15.1/2" (39.4cm) fully extended. Lovely optics in nice original condition.

Stock no: 4879

Dealers note:

James Henry Steward (1817–1896) established J.H. Steward in London in 1852. As “Head Optician”. J.H Steward became incorporated as J.H. Steward Limited on 1st February, 1913. The company produced a large range of items for military use and advertised in their catalogues that they produced instruments for ‘Reconnoitring, Sketching, Night Marching, Signally, Gun Laying’. They were well thought of with their work to such a standard that they were opticians to ‘The British & Foreign Governments, the National Rifle Associations of England, India, Canada & the Colonies and the National Artillery Association.

Date of Manufacture

John Hubbard Antiques has dated this Antique Brass Telescope to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1124179
Dealers Internal Reference
4879
Dealers Notes

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Description
A small brass six-draw telescope by J H Steward Ltd, 406 The Strand, London. Immaculate leather binding with original lens cover, it extends from 4" (10.2cm) to 15.1/2" (39.4cm) fully extended. Lovely optics in nice original condition.
fig 1. A close-up shot of a small collapsed vintage brass telescope covered in black leather, resting horizontally on a light wooden surface.
fig 1. A Small Pocket Naturalist Telescope by J H Steward Ltd, London

Stock no: 4879

Dealers note:

James Henry Steward (1817–1896) established J.H. Steward in London in 1852. As “Head Optician”. J.H Steward became incorporated as J.H. Steward Limited on 1st February, 1913.

“
The company produced a large range of items for military use and advertised in their catalogues that they produced instruments for ‘Reconnoitring, Sketching, Night Marching, Signally, Gun Laying’.
John Hubbard Antiques

They were well thought of with their work to such a standard that they were opticians to ‘The British & Foreign Governments, the National Rifle Associations of England, India, Canada & the Colonies and the National Artillery Association.

Date of Manufacture

John Hubbard Antiques has dated this Antique Brass Telescope to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1124179
Dealers Internal Ref
4879
John Hubbard Antiques
John Hubbard Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2014
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the John Hubbard Antiques Profile Page

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A close-up shot of a small collapsed vintage brass telescope covered in black leather, resting horizontally on a light wooden surface. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I A close-up shot of a small collapsed vintage brass telescope covered in black leather, resting horizontally on a light wooden surface. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

A Small Pocket Naturalist Telescope by J H Steward Ltd, London

Archive II A close-up shot of a small collapsed vintage brass telescope covered in black leather, resting horizontally on a light wooden surface. View II
Archive III A close-up shot of a small collapsed vintage brass telescope covered in black leather, resting horizontally on a light wooden surface. View III
Archive IV A close-up shot of a small collapsed vintage brass telescope covered in black leather, resting horizontally on a light wooden surface. View IV
Archive V A close-up shot of a small collapsed vintage brass telescope covered in black leather, resting horizontally on a light wooden surface. View V
Archive VI A close-up shot of a small collapsed vintage brass telescope covered in black leather, resting horizontally on a light wooden surface. View VI
Archive VII A close-up shot of a small collapsed vintage brass telescope covered in black leather, resting horizontally on a light wooden surface. View VII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 01562 701020
Location
Castle Ash
Birmingham Road
Blakedown
Worcestershire
DY10 3JE
United Kingdom
Verified Since Sep 2014
Items For Sale 103
Items Sold 213
John Hubbard Antiques
John Hubbard Antiques
Verified Since Sep 2014
View Dealer Info
Location: Castle Ash, Birmingham Road, Blakedown, Worcestershire, DY10 3JE, United Kingdom
Verified
Sep 2014
For Sale
103
Sold
213
A close-up shot of a small collapsed vintage brass telescope covered in black leather, resting horizontally on a light wooden surface.
A small pocket Naturalist telescope by J H Steward Ltd, London
Ref: SA1124179
A close-up shot of a small collapsed vintage brass telescope covered in black leather, resting horizontally on a light wooden surface.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectScientific Instruments
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialBrass, Leather, Glass
  • ColourBlack and Brass
  • MotifsCollapsible draw tubes, Leather-wrapped barrel, Knurled focus ring

A pocket telescope, often referred to as a spyglass, is a compact, collapsible optical instrument designed for portability, frequently utilised by naturalists and travellers during the 19th century.

Traditional construction typically involved brass barrels for durability and precision, often complemented by stitched leather outer casings to provide a secure grip and protection.

Authenticity is usually verified through maker signatures engraved on the draw tubes, the presence of patination on the brass, hand-stitched leather seams, and the quality of the optical glass.

This type of instrument can be displayed on a bookshelf, a desk, or a mantelpiece, paired with leather-bound books or globes to create a study-like scholarly aesthetic.

Preservation requires storing the object in a dry environment to prevent lens fungus and metal oxidisation, applying microcrystalline wax sparingly to brass, and treating leather with neutral conditioning balm.
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