Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1978.3 |
Object Name |
Telescope |
Title |
Hand Telescope |
Artist |
Unknown |
Place of Origin |
England |
Date |
ca. 1800 |
Description |
Two-draw hand telescope; brass, with mahogany barrel. The eye-piece is protected by a sliding guard; a brass cap fits over the end of the barrel. No maker's mark. Probably of English origin, about 1800. Retains its original chamois sleeve. |
Label |
Portable hand telescopes such as this example were necessary tools for seafaring explorers, who used them to observe land, sea, and sky. APS tradition says that Stephen Decatur used this telescope while serving in the U.S. Navy. Decatur, a naval hero of the War of 1812, was known for his courage, argumentative temper, and propensity for dueling, the cause of his early death in 1820. |
Dimensions |
L-6.625 Dia-1.313 inches |
Dimension Details |
Extended: 15.313 x 1.313 |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. William Machold, 1978. |
Search Terms |
19th century nineteenth century navigation astronomy optics scientific instrument |