GIANT TEN SIDED SINGLE DRAW MARINE TELESCOPE
Early 18th century telescope in
the rare 10 sided configuration Shown as a wall decoration mounted with a carved wood American
spread eagle Presented is a
very fine example of this very rare form of early single draw telescope whose tube is encased in a ten sided Mahogany
carrier. It carries no markings of any-kind, but is of the highest quality for its Era.  It is pictured above as wall
decoration with a carved wood and polychrome spread American eagle which is not included. The eagle may be purchased
separately.

Because
of it 52 plus inch length, it would be wrong to call this a spyglass. All the brass work has taken on a pleasing
age patina of light greenish brown. As is typical with these early designs, the single draw will pull loose from the
barrel so care should be taken in extending it. There are various distance rings for ease of focusing on the extension. The
dust covers for both the objective and ocular lenses remain and show their age. Behind the front lens is a sailor made three
strand Turks Head signifying its maritime heritage. The telescope focus  is sharp and clear so it can
be used as well as enjoyed as a display of marine art. This is a remarkable achievement for an almost 300 year old telescope.SPECIFICATIONS: Both lenses
are uncoated and ground flat. The objective lens has a diameter of  38 mm or 1 1/2 inches. The diameter of
the ocular lens is 10 mm or .40 inches. When extended to two focusing rings it measures a very long 55 1/4 inches which, because
of the state of the lens grinding art, makes this a very early example of this form of telescope. Consequently, we estimate
its age to date from the first quarter of the 18th Century. The width of the barrel at the front is 1.78 inches and tapers
gently to 1.59 inches at the rear.
The ten sided Mahogany case,
sometimes referred to as decahedral, has all of its original finish and is in remarkable condition. It shows only the most
minor scuff marks and a few minor abrasions. There is a lighter six inch area to the finish behind the Turks Head as
if a covering was fitted at one time as a hand hold, but  nothing remains.
The
unmarked single draw tube is shown above. drawn past one dstance ring. This
scope likely dates to around the early part of the 18th Century based on its lens’ design, ten sided Mahogany construction
and brass hardware. It has survived almost 300 years in exceptional condition. Overall, this outstanding example of a genuine antique ten
side marine telescope should have only increasing value while you enjoy its ownership!
The dust
cover in the above picture does open all the way.