How do I use a multi-draw telescope?

Grip the main body tube firmly and gently pull each successive smaller draw section outward until fully extended. Adjust the final eyepiece draw slightly inward or outward to bring distant objects into sharp focus. Take care when collapsing the instrument by pushing the tubes straight back in line rather than forcing them at an angle. Store the spyglass in a dry environment to protect the internal lenses and exterior materials.

Were these spyglasses used at sea?

Many of these instruments served military and naval personnel as deck glasses for identifying ships and landmasses from rolling vessel decks. Marine versions often featured protective leather or wood sleeves to withstand harsh saltwater conditions. Officers of the watch relied on day-or-night configurations with larger objective lenses to gather maximum light during dawn or dusk patrols.

How do I date an antique brass telescope?

Examine the signature engravings on the draw tubes, as maker names and registered business addresses often provide active working dates. The number of draw sections and the choice of exterior materials also offer clues to the manufacturing period. Earlier 18th-century examples frequently display simpler non-achromatic optics and distinct barrel shapes, whilst Victorian instruments tend toward multi-draw designs with standardised brass components.

What is the difference between a spyglass and a library telescope?

A spyglass is a portable, handheld optical instrument designed for travel, field use, and quick deployment. These pieces prioritize a compact footprint and collapsible draw tubes. A library telescope is a larger, heavier instrument typically mounted on a folding wooden or brass table stand. These stationary pieces were intended for indoor study and extended viewing.

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Vintage Brass Spyglass

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These vintage brass spyglass pieces are practical optical instruments designed for distant observation, offering collectors a tangible connection to maritime and scientific history.

19th century

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19th C Gilt Brass Table Top Telescope

From Mytton Antiques - Jerrard Nares

£650

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

19th century

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A Military Campaign Telescope

From The Antique Partnership

£1,250

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

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

3+ MONTHS AGO

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

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

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Vintage Brass Spyglass

19th C Gilt Brass Table Top Telescope

A Military Campaign Telescope

A Rare London Made Nine Sided 18thc Telescope

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

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