LOT #47003 |
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Adams of Fleet Street 1 1/4-inch Refracting Pocket Telescope. Circa early nineteenth century....
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Sold on Dec 1, 2022 for:
$1,375.00
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Description
A Pocket Telescope Crafted in the Renowned Workshop, Adams of Fleet Street
Adams of Fleet Street 1 1/4-inch Refracting Pocket
Telescope. Circa early nineteenth century. Brass,
six-pull telescope; outer barrel covered in leather. Smallest pull
with maker's stamp, "Adam's / New Patent Portable Telescope /
No. 60 Fleet Strt. London." Extended (13.5 inches, 343 mm);
1.25-inch (37.75 mm) lens diameter, 1 3/8-inch (35 mm) barrel
diameter (at widest point). Display mount (polished wood and metal
stand): 17 x 4 (432 x 102 mm). Notched lens, flared eye cup with
slide and peg. Lacking lens cap.A beautiful item from one of the most famous scientific workshops in the world, Adams of Fleet Street. First founded by George Adams Sr. in 1734, his work inherited and continued by George Adams Jr., and then his son Dudley Adams into the early nineteenth century. Their work in creating fine mathematical instruments was highly-regarded and highly-sought, landing them a lucrative contract with His Majesty's Office of Ordnance, a private commission for philosophical instruments issued by King George III, and a growing community of public scientific interest. The engraved maker's mark on this particular piece, "...refers to a patent obtained on 30 May 1800 by Dudley Adams (1762-1830)... Adams's patent included a new form of spring fitted inside the draw tubes to keep them steady when drawn out. This allowed more draw tubes to be used, reducing the overall length of the telescope when closed" (Royal Museums Greenwich).
Condition: Somewhat rubbed and worn. Scattered tarnishing. Losses to leather around outer barrel. A few minor chips to the edge of the lens, not affecting field of view. Pulls somewhat tight, currently stored and displayed in an extended position.
References: Royal Museums Greenwich, Adams's New Patent Portable Telescope, ID NAV1608.
Provenance: Sotheby's, May 30, 2002, lot 12.
Auction Info
2022 December 1 Historical Platinum Session Signature® Auction #6267 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2022
1st
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 16
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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