Antiques, Curios, Collectables. Tin toys, Musical instruments, Ephemera, Bronze
Lot 23:
Description
A mid-19th-century English single-draw terrestrial telescope by the London firm Thomas Harris and Son. The instrument is constructed with a mahogany main barrel and brass fittings, featuring a single brass draw tube. The first section of the draw tube is finely engraved with the maker’s details: Tho.s Harris & Son, Opticians to the Royal Family, 141. Oxford St. & 52, Gt. Russell St., London. The telescope is supplied with its original protective leather end caps and an integrated leather carrying strap.
Closed length including caps: 14 inches
Extended length: 30 inches.
Condition report:
The telescope\'s mechanical movement is smooth when extending and collapsing. The mahogany barrel retains a natural patina with minor surface scratches and indentations consistent with age and use. Brass components show a natural aged tarnish but no significant denting. The objective and eyepiece lenses are present and appear intact. The leather end caps and strap show significant signs of age, including drying, surface cracking, and heavy wear; the strap is brittle and should be handled with care.
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