150 replies to this topic

[Bill Griffith]

Congrats!!

2 Space Scopes in your collection badback? I like your addiction!

I call the Japanese (dept. store refractors?)scopes in the herd "The Origami Effect"!

I'm intrigued with the design element of a complete observing platform all in 1 box that you can carry and store conveniently.

Bill

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[Bill Griffith]

2

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[Bill Griffith]

3

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[badback]

Egads they're breeding! In your first pic there is, I believe, the accessory tray? I've seen this pictured perhaps twice before and wondered how it attaches etc? Got pics?

[Stargoat]

Here ya' go. Do you have a Tasco site?

No, I do not have a Tasco site...but that is an interesting thought. I've been compiling information on Tasco and documenting them along with all the other vintage telescopes that are similar. I figured the more data I have, the better chance of understanding the history. This madness started for me when I was looking to buy my first nice vintage scope a couple years back, a Tasco 7TE-2. After going thru the archives on CN, I came across only a few threads on the model which made me want to learn more.

Once I started, I could not stop digging deeper and deeper into the timeline on Tasco's other models as well...which led to Royal Astro and on and on. With the wealth of information here on CN, Amart, Ebay, CL etc. along with sales literature albeit flyers/brochures/catalogs and instruction booklets/sheets that I've collected (all not cheap ) I've been able to figure out most of the timeline on Tasco from mid/late 1959 thru the late 70s. The lack so far of any literature or documentation except for a couple of late 1957 Tasco 7T models has been the most challenging so far along with a few of the transition models in the mid 60s. It's the hope of finding more info on the earliest 1950 Tasco models, that keeps me in the hunt so to speak.

[photiost]

Very Nice !!

Congrats.

[Bill Griffith]

No removable tray. The lower left corner has a built in enclosure for the diagonal and Huygens 20mm 45 power, H 9mm 100 power and a H6mm yielding 150 power. The lid is a slider with a wooden block with felt that the OTA rests on.
This later model has an erecting prism. No barlow.

Bill

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[Bomber Bob]

Stephen, thank you for your hard work and dedication -- lots of Tasco fans appreciate it.

I'm very impressed with all these Scopes!

[strdst]

Hey Space Scope Cadets!

 

Does the case handle for your scopes have a grip pattern? Trying to figure out what I really have by this small possible "tell"

 

Hey we're back!   VERY NICE SITE!!!

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Edited by strdst, 05 August 2014 - 10:50 PM.

[scopelover]

Hey Space Scope Cadets!

 

Does the case handle for your scopes have a grip pattern? Trying to figure out what I really have by this small possible "tell"

 

Hey we're back!   VERY NICE SITE!!!

Hey folks ...

Odd .. but .. . I cannot figure out why I cannot see ANY pics ...on almost any thread under the new format .......   Any ideas ?  I 've poked around settings etc etc ..... still trying to figure out ...

[badback]

Howdy

I believe this piece is referred to as an Accessory Tray in the space scope manual.

Still wondered if that's what it is and how it attaches or...???

Marv

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[Bill Griffith]

Marv,

 

Wow! Thanks!  I have that tray!  The manual with the one in the herd is for a  SYW Yamamoto Seisakusho. KK and the  nomenclature doesn't show the accessory tray.

 

I does show where it stores in the "Origami"  display in the box!  The placement is mid span in the legs tied with the green cloth tie.  I completely thought it was for that purpose only.  Wow!

 

It appears we are headed for a nice evening so, the Space Scope will come out tonight and this probably will be the first time ever that the accessory tray will have ever been used for it's other intended purpose.  If I can figure out how to post photos I will.

 

So, to your question...  Your tray's picture appears to not have a metal L bracket on the tray that fits in the metal leg bracket that also has the thumb screw for leg adjustment tension.

 

I must not get out much because this is pretty exciting!

 

 

Thanks!

 

Bill  

Edited by Bill Griffith, 05 August 2014 - 08:29 PM.

[badback]

Hmmm...Seems like that tray may serve double-duty. One as an accessory tray and the another as a leg spreader/brace to use in storing it? How cool is that?   That would certainly help prevent some bumps and dings. Unfortunately mine did not have that piece.   The pic I included was from another SPACE Scope owner's scope. I would find it hard to believe that the original owner forgot to place it back in as this scope appears to have been rarely used and it still has some unexpected things like the potato stuffers and moisture bags. Perhaps it was left out after the person I purchased it from took a few pics (as I requested) and didn't put it back in, or it never had one, or...or...who knows? Such fun indeed!

 

[CharlieB]

The tray does do double duty.  It really helps the entire scope stay in good shape.  Once you figure out how it all fits together, it's quite efficient.  The first tray I have didn't have the angled piece of metal attached that fits in to the leg bracket.   You can make out the tray in this packed-up Space Scope.  The 7T and S-5 are exactly the same.

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[CharlieB]

If you'd like, I can provide a rubbing/tracing of the outline if you want to make your own.  The only difficult part would be routing or carving out the recess, but you could also simply drill a few holes to store eyepieces in.

[CharlieB]

Tray attached to leg - just slips right in.

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[jjbird]

Tray attached to leg - just slips right in.

 

Unusual...the shape they chose for it. Leftover ashtrays?

[highertheflyer]

Thanks for the serial numbers, they've been Registered!

It's now an old thread, but I have a Space Scope from a neighbor, and wanted to see if I could register it with you?

 

Space Scope Focuser  019409, Objective DANCHYKA D=60MM F=910, NO. 39910, Actual and original Sept. 1957 Invoice for $89.00.

 

Jim

[CharlieB]

 

Thanks for the serial numbers, they've been Registered!

It's now an old thread, but I have a Space Scope from a neighbor, and wanted to see if I could register it with you?

 

Space Scope Focuser  019409, Objective DANCHYKA D=60MM F=910, NO. 39910, Actual and original Sept. 1957 Invoice for $89.00.

 

Jim

 

Very glad to hear that.  I was never quite sure where along the timeline these Space Scopes could be placed.  Mine is #019244.  They are the same scope as the Tasco 7T (one of mine can definitely be dated to September 9, 1957), which is also a rebranded Astro Optical S-5.  My S-5 is probably a little older - maybe 1955-56, but I can't be certain.  All of them have the captive tube, the wooden accessory tray, and that annoying fold-up mount/tripod.  Should be an excellent scope.

Edited by CharlieB, 17 November 2014 - 05:51 PM.

[CharlieB]

All of the oldest S-5 variants I have seen have the nylon knobs instead of the machined aluminum ones.  Could you post some photos?

[highertheflyer]

The one's I've recieved printed from Akron, 4379 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles 37; Calif.  Normanmdy 3-32315 and attached invoice for  the purchase of a 151 Space ScopeHG Deptf 06--0  6/11/57 .

[Stargoat]

 

 

Thanks for the serial numbers, they've been Registered!

It's now an old thread, but I have a Space Scope from a neighbor, and wanted to see if I could register it with you?

 

Space Scope Focuser  019409, Objective DANCHYKA D=60MM F=910, NO. 39910, Actual and original Sept. 1957 Invoice for $89.00.

 

Jim

 

Very glad to hear that.  I was never quite sure where along the timeline these Space Scopes could be placed.  Mine is #019244.  They are the same scope as the Tasco 7T (one of mine can definitely be dated to September 9, 1957), which is also a rebranded Astro Optical S-5.  My S-5 is probably a little older - maybe 1955-56, but I can't be certain.  All of them have the captive tube, the wooden accessory tray, and that annoying fold-up mount/tripod.  Should be an excellent scope.

 

Hello Jim and Charlie, Jim the 1957 invoice is just what I was hoping would turn up one of these days on CN to help document the Space Scope brand of import. Look forward to seeing pictures of this documented Space Scope.

 

Below is a listing of Akron ads in S&T and Jim your "151 Space ScopeHG Deptf 06--0  6/11/57" invoice falls right into place I bet your scope will match the ad in S&T.

 

For Akron:

Apr 1957 pg.36 [pg.306 Bound Copy] - Ad "2 Outstanding Optical Imports" See Note 1.
Aug 1957 pg.?? [pg.507 Bound Copy] - Ad "2 Outstanding Optical Imports" See Note 1.
Dec 1957 pg.83 - Ad "151 Power space scope .... $89.50 " See Note 2.
Nov 1958 pg.36 - Ad "151 Power space scope .... $89.50 " See Note 2.
Nov 1959 pg.33 - Ad "Year End Sale" See Note 3.

 

Note 1: Ad "2 Outstanding Optical Imports", the photo of the child with the telescope is a different version than the black crinkle finish of the Tasco 7T models with serial numbers 22/23/24XXX. This telescope most closely matches the brand "SPACE SCOPE" from the Research Optical Company based on the style of tube mounted finder stalk on which the finder is attached by two screws. There is also the unusual rod depicted on the top side of the solar projection rod tube clamp in the drawing. This scope pictured below is serial number 014056 and matches the two earliest S&T ads.

 

Note 2: I do not have a picture of the "151 Power space scope .... $89.50 " ad to describe the details.

 

Note 3: Ad "Year End Sale", the photo of the young man with the telescope more closely matches the black crinkle finish of the Tasco 7T models with serial numbers 22/23/24XXX. The tube mounted finder stalk now has the common three adj screws built into the finder stalk. The drawing is still showing what I assume if the earlier version of the telescope. This imported scope by Akron is probably still the SPACE SCOPE brand name.

 

Charlie, S&T also had ads from an importer called Brayton Optical Exchange. These scopes may have came from the same supplier that Tasco imported their earliest lineup of telescopes. Boy, if only someday one of us will find some Tasco literature from the mid 1950s to try and confrim all of this. Last, with respect to the Astro Optical S-5, I was thinking that John Siple or someone talked about the Astro Optical Co officially being formed sometime in 1958.

 

Brayton Optical Exchange:

Sep 1956 pg.18 [pg.518 Bound Copy]- Ad "Summer Specials" See Note 4.
Dec 1956 pg.100 [pg.507 Bound Copy] - Ad "You'll really have a MERRY CHRISTMAS" See Note 4.

 

Note 34 The photo of the telescope and finder closely matches the black crinkle finish of the Tasco 7T models with serial numbers 22/23/24XXX. The small wood accessory tray is also shown. But also noted is the strange rod affixed to the top of the solar tray rod again. The price is much higher at $195.

 

I believe Tasco like the other big names, ordered scopes to their own specifications for each model of telescope.Thus Tasco did not have the strange rod and had different accessories etc.

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[Stargoat]

 

Very glad to hear that.  I was never quite sure where along the timeline these Space Scopes could be placed.  Mine is #019244.  They are the same scope as the Tasco 7T (one of mine can definitely be dated to September 9, 1957), which is also a rebranded Astro Optical S-5.  My S-5 is probably a little older - maybe 1955-56, but I can't be certain.  All of them have the captive tube, the wooden accessory tray, and that annoying fold-up mount/tripod.  Should be an excellent scope.

 

Charlie, S&T also had ads from an importer called Brayton Optical Exchange. These scopes may have came from the same supplier that Tasco imported their earliest lineup of telescopes. Boy, if only someday one of us will find some Tasco literature from the mid 1950s to try and confrim all of this. Last, with respect to the Astro Optical S-5, I was thinking that John Siple or someone talked about the Astro Optical Co officially being formed sometime in 1958.

 

Brayton Optical Exchange:

Sep 1956 pg.18 [pg.518 Bound Copy]- Ad "Summer Specials" See Note 4.
Dec 1956 pg.100 [pg.507 Bound Copy] - Ad "You'll really have a MERRY CHRISTMAS" See Note 4.

 

Note 4: The photo of the telescope and finder closely matches the black crinkle finish of the Tasco 7T models with serial numbers 22/23/24XXX. The small wood accessory tray is also shown. But also noted is the strange rod affixed to the top of the solar tray rod again. The price is much higher at $195.

 

I believe Tasco like the other big names, ordered scopes to their own specifications for each model of telescope.Thus Tasco did not have the strange rod and had different accessories etc.

 

Charlie and all, I found the follow infromation in the archives from galakuma and John Siple aka CN habsburg8.

 

See http://www.cloudynig...al#entry3201198

 

Here is quote from galakuma back in Jan 2010 to John.

 

"habsburg8.
Your knowledge of the telescope is wonderful.
Nobody has knowledge like you also in Japan.

I’ve heard… in japan.
Mr Syusuke Kojima designed R-61D around 1955-57.
He established Astro Service Center in 1955.
He exported R-61D Tasco bland to USA.
ASTRO OPTICAL IND.CO.,LTD. was established 1958."

 

I'll keep looking for more info as I recall Astro Optical was formed in very early 1958. So it does all begin to tie together that Tasco, Space Scope etc were possibly getting their scopes in 1956 from their respective importors thru Astro Service Center as they were in the process of establishing their company. Guessing the first branded Astro Optical S-5 dates back to late 1957 or very early 1958.

 

As John mentioned in the archives, I've looked at the Sears Fall 1958 general catalog and sometime between the Spring 1958 and Fall 1958 Sears began importing an Astro Optical looking S-5 version called 4G 6301 225X model.

[CharlieB]

As many of us know, dating these scopes relies on scant documentable information.  Of the S-5/7T/Space Scopes I have, they are virtually identical with one exception - the Space Scope has a raised platform for the label.  All three have the nylon-like knobs for both the focuser and mount.  As I mentioned above, the Tasco has the dated inspection sticker with it from 1957.  The serial numbers have always been a conundrum.  The SS - 019244; S-5 - 11925; 7T - 22318.  If these were numbered by the factory, the S-5 should be the oldest.  The leading zero in the SS serial number is a small thorn also.    If one ignores it, the SS would lie between the S-5 and 7T.  Those are all big ifs.  I have a photo of a plain sheet of paper that was likely written by John Siple as an instruction to the auctioneer who sold the S-5.  The text is:

 

*Do not remove tube assembly from mounting head

Astro Optical S-5.  Rare.  D=60mm F=910mm.

Circa 1958.  Equatorial mounting, slow motions, wooden tripod.

Minimum price=

 

This is the same scope he featured in one of his articles in the Rosette Gazette.

 

The Tasco has a wooden box (unlike the S-5).  Here's a photo.  It may shed some light onto a correlation between a 1957 scope and its box - or maybe not.

 

And thanks to you for all your excellent sleuthing!

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[Bomber Bob]

I'm picking up a 1957 Space Scope Model 151 on WEDS.  Based on the Regsitry, 151's with a hinged OTA cradle are Royal, while those with the dual knob 'friction' OTA clamps are Yamamoto, but maybe I'll get that clarified - soon.