How do I clean brass optics?

Dust brass components gently with a soft dry cloth to preserve the aged patina. Avoid commercial metal polishes, which strip historical finishes and remove engraved maker signatures. Keep glass lenses clean using a dedicated optical microfibre cloth without liquid cleaners, unless grime necessitates a specialised lens solution applied sparingly.

Can I use antique telescopes today?

Most antique telescopes function adequately for terrestrial viewing when lenses remain clean and aligned. Expect a narrower field of view and lower light transmission compared to modern coated optics. Handle draw tubes carefully during extension and retraction to prevent binding or scratching the brass surfaces.

How do I identify the maker?

Makers typically engraved their names, firm titles, and addresses directly onto the final draw tube of a telescope or the stage plate of a microscope. Case interiors sometimes retain paper trade labels identifying the retailer. Compare specific script styles, serial numbers, and mounting designs against known historical trade records to narrow down the production decade.

Why do some items have original cases?

Instruments requiring delicate alignment and glass components relied on fitted wooden boxes lined with velvet or leather for safe transport in the field. These fitted enclosures protected brass fittings from dents and kept lenses free from dust. Finding an instrument in its matching original case adds substantial context and preserves the portability intended by the original maker.

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Antique Optics

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Antique optics bring precision glass and brass together, offering a tangible connection to historical exploration and scientific study.

Brass Pivoting Bullseye Magnifying Glass / Lens on Stand C.1915

1900 - 1920

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Brass Pivoting Bullseye Magnifying Glass / Lens on Stand C.1915

From Puckerings

£395

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

A Fabulous Early 20th Century Brass Telescope by Clarkson, London

1900 - 1920

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A Fabulous Early 20th Century Brass Telescope by Clarkson, London

From Yeats Country Antiques

£3,200

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

19th century

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A Regency London Made Pocket Telescope

From The Antique Partnership

£395

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

18th century

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A Telescope by Cary London

From The Antique Partnership

£450

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Antique English Bone Telescope Walking Stick Cane Circa 1885 92cm/36 Inches

19th century

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Antique English Bone Telescope Walking Stick Cane Circa 1885 92cm/36 Inches

From Regent Antiques

£1,050

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Ross of London, Victorian, 1900

19th century

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Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Ross of London, Victorian, 1900

From London Fine Antiques

£995

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Victorian Cranberry Glass Lidded Butter Dish. Circa 1870

19th century

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Victorian Cranberry Glass Lidded Butter Dish. Circa 1870

From CJ Antiques

£125

FOR SALE

glass

19th century

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Architects Level by Wf Stanley 1892

From Wickersley Antiques

£220

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

19th century

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Opticians Examination Set

From Mark Davis Antiques

£240

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Mid Eighteenth Century Non Achromatic Decagonal Reverse Taper Telescope by John Gilbert

18th century

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Mid Eighteenth Century Non Achromatic Decagonal Reverse Taper Telescope by John Gilbert

From Jason Clarke Antiques

£2,400

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Listings for antique optics feature instruments from the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth centuries, constructed primarily from brass, glass, and mahogany.

A Rare London Made Nine Sided 18thc Telescope

18th century

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A Rare London Made Nine Sided 18thc Telescope

From The Antique Partnership

£1,200

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Small Georgian Cased Library Telescope on Stand by Matthew Berge London

19th century

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Small Georgian Cased Library Telescope on Stand by Matthew Berge London

From Jason Clarke Antiques

£1,995

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

19th century

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Victorian Drum Microscope

From In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

£110

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Stunning Pair of Enamelled Antique Opera Glasses - Mother of Pearl and Lacquered Brass - Edwardian - Circa 1900

1900 - 1920

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Stunning Pair of Enamelled Antique Opera Glasses - Mother of Pearl and Lacquered Brass - Edwardian - Circa 1900

From Kingsdown Antiques

£385

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Pair of Ww2 Polished Steel German Rangefinder Flak Binoculars

1920 - 1940

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Pair of Ww2 Polished Steel German Rangefinder Flak Binoculars

From Debenham Antiques Ltd

£9,995

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Unusual Folding / Adjustable Magnifying Glass - Webber Patent C.1900

1900 - 1920

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Unusual Folding / Adjustable Magnifying Glass - Webber Patent C.1900

From Puckerings

£395

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

← 1 2 →

Antique Optics

Brass Pivoting Bullseye Magnifying Glass / Lens on Stand C.1915

A Fabulous Early 20th Century Brass Telescope by Clarkson, London

A Regency London Made Pocket Telescope

A Telescope by Cary London

Antique English Bone Telescope Walking Stick Cane Circa 1885 92cm/36 Inches

Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Ross of London, Victorian, 1900

Victorian Cranberry Glass Lidded Butter Dish. Circa 1870

Architects Level by Wf Stanley 1892

Opticians Examination Set

Mid Eighteenth Century Non Achromatic Decagonal Reverse Taper Telescope by John Gilbert

A Rare London Made Nine Sided 18thc Telescope

Small Georgian Cased Library Telescope on Stand by Matthew Berge London

Victorian Drum Microscope

Stunning Pair of Enamelled Antique Opera Glasses - Mother of Pearl and Lacquered Brass - Edwardian - Circa 1900

Pair of Ww2 Polished Steel German Rangefinder Flak Binoculars

Unusual Folding / Adjustable Magnifying Glass - Webber Patent C.1900

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