22 replies to this topic

[MJD1137]

Hi everyone,

 

This telescope has recently come into my possession from a family friend and I thought I'd ask a community far more likely to have an understanding of its history and maybe some more information about it.

 

Appears to be quite an early model and I've got no other information really than what you can get from the pictures.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks very much in advance.  Happy to take additional pictures of specific pieces if that helps.

 

Dumped the images to an imgur link as the file sizes were too large. 

 

https://imgur.com/a/S9bvMyr

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by MJD1137, 27 June 2024 - 11:22 AM.

[Astrojensen]

That is a VERY early model, and in okay condition for its age. The serial number on the objective would put the manufacturing date somewhere in 1902, I think, possibly 1903. 

 

The all-brass tube is very, very rare, unless it's a painted tube, where the paint has been stripped. 

 

And it has the mount and the case...! That's quite the collectible right there. 

 

 

Clear skies!

Thomas, Denmark

[starman876]

looks like a very early model in really nice condition. Only problem is the tripod hub looks like it might be damaged.   Is the round tube with it that fits on the tripod hub and then onto the fork that is attached to the OTA? and welcome to cloudy nights.

Edited by starman876, 27 June 2024 - 11:47 AM.

[MJD1137]

Thanks for the welcome.  Yes, does appear that one of the 'hinges' lets call it, is broken off while a second is missing the half of it.

 

Wonder if it's worth having that repaired by a talented welder.

 

 

looks like a very early model in really nice condition. Only problem is the tripod hub looks like it might be damaged.   Is the round tube with it that fits on the tripod hub and then onto the fork that is attached to the OTA? and welcome to cloudy nights.

[MJD1137]

Thanks very much for the information.  I figured the brass aspect might have made it an earlier model than many of the white enamel paint types I've seen when looking around.

 

Shame the mount is broken.  This was obviously a well loved instrument given the wear and tear!

That is a VERY early model, and in okay condition for its age. The serial number on the objective would put the manufacturing date somewhere in 1902, I think, possibly 1903. 

 

The all-brass tube is very, very rare, unless it's a painted tube, where the paint has been stripped. 

 

And it has the mount and the case...! That's quite the collectible right there. 

 

 

Clear skies!

Thomas, Denmark

[jragsdale]

Looks like #745 lens was about ~1904. An E design, 60mm x 728mm FL. Here's a shot from the Diarium (journal) showing your lens.

Attached Thumbnails

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[jragsdale]

An experienced welder should be able to repair that tripod hub without too much issues. 

[Ken Launie]

An experienced welder should be able to repair that tripod hub without too much issues. 

That's assuming that the broken-off third leg pivot survives. More of a project if it doesn't as it'll involve some machining. Still worth doing in my opinion.

[zeiss refractor]

Hello Ken,

John Mutch, III here. Thomas nailed it, a very early first production in brass w/o scale window on focuser, pierced tripod hub (cast) with structural braces. Aluminum fittings on the tripod, no lock on case, early heavy brass obj. cover. OTA brackets separated, mounting pin much smaller diameter and wooden interior blocks designed differently. Knurling on obj. rim. Locking tensioner on focuser replaced.

Truly a scarce example, have fun with it!

Kind regards,

John

[mdowns]

Thanks very much for the information, John.  Not much fun to be had unfortunately as Astronomy isn't necessarily a passion of mine so I'll be looking to sell this, hoping it ends up in the hands of someone who can truly appreciate the rarity and history of it.

 

Would anyone have some insight into how best to sell something like this?  Go the equitably way and allow those interested to bid it out in an eBay setting or better to list for example on a forum like this?

 I've sent you a pm with some helpful information in answer to your question.

[Disawn]

Hi everyone,

 

This telescope has recently come into my possession from a family friend and I thought I'd ask a community far more likely to have an understanding of its history and maybe some more information about it.

 

Appears to be quite an early model and I've got no other information really than what you can get from the pictures.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks very much in advance.  Happy to take additional pictures of specific pieces if that helps.

 

Dumped the images to an imgur link as the file sizes were too large. 

 

https://imgur.com/a/S9bvMyr

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nice find! I love old telescopes. It looks like a classic design, maybe from the mid-20th century.

[Kasmos]

Nice find! I love old telescopes. It looks like a classic design, maybe from the mid-20th century.

I guess you don't read.

[astroroman]

Many information has been already provided, I'd like to note that also at least one eyepiece seems really earlier, maybe before 1900.

[jragsdale]

Many information has been already provided, I'd like to note that also at least one eyepiece seems really earlier, maybe before 1900.

Zeiss famously made parts in batches then would assemble scopes as needed from the parts supply. When they ran out or the timing was good, they'd run another batch of X parts. So it's likely that one complete scope can have a lens from 1904, tube from 1905, focuser from 1901, eyepieces from 1899, prism from 1900, etc.

[2clear]

Hi everyone,

It's really great to see the knowledge shared in this community. I’m looking for information about the Carl Zeiss Jena Telescope No. 32 and would appreciate any help you can provide.

Thanks in advance!

Jav

[2clear]

Mybe this picture could help...

[2clear]

Mybe this picture could help...

[starman876]

someone has a magic book of serial numbers for focusers and lenses that can date your equipment

[2clear]

Thank you, starman876, for your replay .

 

Some more pictures..

 

 

 

 

 

[RalphMeisterTigerMan]

If it were me and I had the funds easily available, I would contact a reputable firm like Texas Nautical Repair and get a quote for restoring the scope to it's former glory. Wow! Original eyepieces too. I'm assuming .965-inch? Very nice!

 

Clear skies and keep looking up!

RalphMeisterTigerMan

[jragsdale]

Thank you, starman876, for your replay .

 

Some more pictures..

 

 

scope.jpg

 

Lens.jpg

The Diarium starts at around 1898 with unnumbered scopes. Then starts into the serial numbers around 1900. #32 was an 80mm Type E lens made in a batch of 6 of them. So I would guess 1900 for an age. Very cool early Zeiss! A collector's dream!

[2clear]

Thank you very much for the information provided. I will do my best to maintain the telescope in good condition so that it can be appreciated by other visitors to our observatory. Restoring it would be a pleasure when I have the necessary resources.

[jragsdale]

Thank you very much for the information provided. I will do my best to maintain the telescope in good condition so that it can be appreciated by other visitors to our observatory. Restoring it would be a pleasure when I have the necessary resources.

Be very careful and conscientious with any restoration efforts. Stay away from ammonia products like Brasso.