Antique Scientific Instruments

Early Victorian Cased Field Telescope By We & F Newton, Fleet Street, London

Early Victorian Cased Field Telescope By We & F Newton, Fleet Street, London
Early Victorian Cased Field Telescope By We & F Newton, Fleet Street, London
Early Victorian Cased Field Telescope By We & F Newton, Fleet Street, London
Early Victorian Cased Field Telescope By We & F Newton, Fleet Street, London
Early Victorian Cased Field Telescope By We & F Newton, Fleet Street, London
Early Victorian Cased Field Telescope By We & F Newton, Fleet Street, London
Early Victorian Cased Field Telescope By We & F Newton, Fleet Street, London

Early Victorian Cased Field Telescope By We & F Newton, Fleet Street, London

For sale, a very rare and complete early Victorian cased students field telescope by WE & F Newton, Fleet Street, London. This super little brass six draw telescope with one inch diameter objective lens has a rare red and black striped baleen covered barrel and original brass end cap.

The case is covered in original dark red leather with eye hook closers and a red velvet sectioned interior. The contents also include the original stand with barrel clasp and end cap which reveals a threaded screw rather than legs, making it practical for use in the field where it may be screwed down into a tree branch for stability. The set is completed with an additional eye piece lens however it must be noted that there is a small chip present on this accessory. Focus can still be achieved but the chip does present itself when in use.

Please note, that the main objective lens contained within the telescope is in perfect condition. The Newtons have a long and distinguished history dating back to the start of the eighteenth century, the founder being a cousin of Sir Isaac Newton. Their heyday, however was during Queen Victorias reign where from the 1850s the cousins William Edward and Frederic Newton were situated at their 3 Fleet Street. This short lived partnership traded from 1851 to 1856 but provided the basis for the company, Newton & and Co which continued to trade from that address until the early part of the twentieth century.

They were scientific instrument makers to the Queen and were prize medal winners at the Great Exhibition. Newton & Co instruments are more abundantly encountered owing to the length of its trading history. These early instrument are more seldomly seen especially in such complete condition. Baleen is a material taken from the filter feeding systems inside the mouths of whales and was a by-product of the whaling industry that was employed in the manufacture of high end handheld telescopes during the early to mid-nineteenth century. They are rarely encountered today but the material must have been selected for its durability and its ability to take coloured dye.

Examples have been seen in numerous colours including green, black and red and are always of the upmost quality. A superb complete and very collectible little cased telescope produced to the highest standards and by a rare maker. Given the companys trading dates, the telescope can be confidently dated to between 1851 and 1856.

Jason Clarke Antiques are happy to discuss carriage, condition or for any other queries, alternatively, you can also message me and I will endeavour to come back to you as soon as possible. I have a number of beautiful antiques for sale, so please feel free to browse my other items. The item "EARLY VICTORIAN CASED FIELD TELESCOPE BY WE & F NEWTON, FLEET STREET, LONDON" is in sale since Monday, January 15, 2018.

This item is in the category "Antiques\Science/Medicine\Scientific Instruments". The seller is "jason750_1" and is located in newbury, Berkshire.

This item can be shipped to United Kingdom.

  • Period: 1800 to 1900
  • Material: Brass
  • Type: Telescope


Early Victorian Cased Field Telescope By We & F Newton, Fleet Street, London