19th Century Telescope by J.W. Morgan of Manchester
This is an example of a high quality instrument, made by the
mostly unheard of optician: Morgan of Manchester. In comparison to other telescopes of this size, this is high powered.
The full moon nearly fills the field of view, so during its other phases many lunar seas, craters and mountain ranges
can be seen. I have used it to observe the Alpine valley. Despite its great astronomical useage, this telescope was intended
as a terrestial one, as the image is not inverted.
The achromatic objective lens is shown above.
Above. The telescope is complete with its original lens cap and sliding eyepiece shutter. The barrel is bound in a superb, mellow leather, which is hand stiched.
Above is the last draw of the telescope. The engraving reads:
J.W. Morgan
Optician
Manchester
The signiture reads towards the eyepiece indicating
that this telescope was made after 1830, but from it's overall style I believe that it dates from around 1880.
Below is the telescope fully extended. It has six draws and it measures 29" when extended in this way.
When the telescope is fully compacted it measures 7 3/8" in length. The Objective lens is 1 9/16" in diameter.
