How do I use a multi-draw telescope?

Fully extend all the brass draw tubes until each section clicks or seats firmly into place. Sight the instrument on a distant terrestrial object and adjust the eyepiece end slightly until the image comes into sharp focus. Keep the lenses clean using a soft microfiber cloth and avoid forcing stuck tubes, which can damage the internal alignment of the optical glass.

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

A spyglass is designed for portability, featuring a compact multi-draw format meant for hand-held use while walking or travelling. A library telescope is a larger, heavier instrument usually supported by a heavy brass pillar and claw stand or a folding tripod. Library versions were intended for stationary indoor use on desks or near windows, offering larger aperture lenses for improved light gathering.

How do I date an antique brass telescope?

Examine the engraved signature on the brass barrel, as maker addresses and partnerships changed over the decades. The style of the lettering, the presence of trade titles, and the materials used for the body coverings also help narrow the production era. Screws, threading types, and the complexity of the optical housing provide further physical evidence for distinguishing Georgian items from later Victorian production.

Can I use these antiques for stargazing?

Most vintage terrestrial telescopes produce upright images for viewing land objects rather than astronomical views. While historical optics will gather light, they lack the high magnification and coatings required for serious planetary observation. They remain best suited for casual viewing of distant landscapes and for appreciating historical mechanical engineering.

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Vintage Brass Telescope

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A vintage brass telescope brings tactile engineering and maritime history into a modern room, offering brass work and optics designed for navigation or observation.

19th century

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A Terrestrial 19thc Library Telescope

From The Antique Partnership

£575

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

Cased George IV Altazimuth Theodolite by Alexander Adie of Edinburgh

19th century

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Cased George IV Altazimuth Theodolite by Alexander Adie of Edinburgh

From Jason Clarke Antiques

£1,495

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

Early Victorian Cased Four Draw Telescope on Stand by Chadburn Brothers of Sheffield

19th century

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Early Victorian Cased Four Draw Telescope on Stand by Chadburn Brothers of Sheffield

From Jason Clarke Antiques

£1,295

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

19th century

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A Library Telescope by S & B Solomons

From W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd.

£1,850

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

19th century

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A Regency London Made Pocket Telescope

From The Antique Partnership

£395

3+ MONTHS AGO

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

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

18th century

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18th Century Telescope by G.adams of London

From Ballinderry Antiques

£1,480

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, After Dollond, Victorian, 1890

19th century

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Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, After Dollond, Victorian, 1890

From London Fine Antiques

£1,095

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

Large Antique Library Telescope, English, Starboy, Astronomical, Broadhurst & Co

1900 - 1920

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Large Antique Library Telescope, English, Starboy, Astronomical, Broadhurst & Co

From London Fine Antiques

£2,850

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

19th century

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19th C Gilt Brass Table Top Telescope

From Mytton Antiques - Jerrard Nares

£650

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

Listings feature scientific instruments and optical devices spanning the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth centuries, incorporating brass, mahogany, leather, and glass.

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

19th century

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Fully Adjustable Brass Lamp Table

From Rupert Hitchcox Antiques

£365

3+ MONTHS AGO

lighting

19th century

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Architects Level by Wf Stanley 1892

From Wickersley Antiques

£220

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

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Vintage Brass Telescope

A Terrestrial 19thc Library Telescope

Cased George IV Altazimuth Theodolite by Alexander Adie of Edinburgh

Early Victorian Cased Four Draw Telescope on Stand by Chadburn Brothers of Sheffield

A Library Telescope by S & B Solomons

A Regency London Made Pocket Telescope

Small Georgian Cased Library Telescope on Stand by Matthew Berge London

18th Century Telescope by G.adams of London

Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, After Dollond, Victorian, 1890

Large Antique Library Telescope, English, Starboy, Astronomical, Broadhurst & Co

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

Fully Adjustable Brass Lamp Table

Architects Level by Wf Stanley 1892

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