18 replies to this topic

[jupiter122]

I have a friend's who deceased husband had the telescope, tripod and case shown in the attached photos. The telescope was stored in the wooden box in a finished basement for the last 10 years or so but my friend otherwise knows nothing about the items. I can't fully read the name on the nameplate, though it looks like it might be "James L. Virtue." I googled that name and came up with nothing particularly useful. It may the name of some prior owner.

 

I don't know if this is an antique or classic or just one of those types of classic-looking things sold on the internet, but I am hoping that someone might be able to help me identify and value it for possible sale. I may also reach out to the Antique Telescope Society to see if anyone there can help.

 

Thanks!

 

 brass telescope.pdf   159.95KB   63 downloads

 

 brass telescope 2.pdf   159.05KB   36 downloads

 

 brass telescope tripod.pdf   173.88KB   34 downloads

 

 

 

 

[jupiter122]

 telescope nameplate.pdf   132.29KB   40 downloadsThis is the nameplate:

 

 

[steveward53]

Could you please post the photos as JPEGs so that they are automatically shown in the post and we don't have to download unknown files from unknown sources just to be able to view them ... thank you ... 

[Michael Tomich]

Could you please post the photos as JPEGs so that they are automatically shown in the post and we don't have to download unknown files from unknown sources just to be able to view them ... thank you ... 

It didn't occur to me that cloudynights.com was an unknown source or that a pdf is unknown file, so I downloaded and viewed them. It is a pretty telescope, by the way. Cloudynights.com is not an external link. However the astrobin link in your signature is an external link. I downloaded the OPs pdf files. It's all good. My pdf viewer is up to date, and the pdf files didn't include any links to click on and besides I wouldn't click on any link in a downloaded file. It was both convenient and safe. Enjoy! 

[steveward53]

It didn't occur to me that cloudynights.com was an unknown source or that a pdf is unknown file, so I downloaded and viewed them. It is a pretty telescope, by the way. Cloudynights.com is not an external link. However the astrobin link in your signature is an external link. I downloaded the OPs pdf files. It's all good. My pdf viewer is up to date, and the pdf files didn't include any links to click on and besides I wouldn't click on any link in a downloaded file. It was both convenient and safe. Enjoy! 

Good for you , I'm referring to the fact that I do not know the individual therefore it's an unknown source not that CN is an unknown or that the .pdf format in unknown to me obviously.

 

I shall still refuse to download files unnecessarily just because the OP can't be bothered to post photos in an appropriate format ... 

[Toddeo]

It's completely safe to download and open the files-no problem.

[Sincos]

Hopefully I am wrong but it looks to be a fine piece of decorative furniture. Besides the extra shiny appearance the pivot point circled does not look functional. If it were an antique, probably would have a makers plate on it rather than the owners name .

 

 

Attached Thumbnails

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[steveward53]

It's completely safe to download and open the files-no problem.

That may well be the case , but I'll let others run the risk of them potentially being unsafe first  ...  

[Brachiopod]

One clue would be... is it actually a telescope? Some of these reproductions just have a piece of flat glass for the lens. Also, the "eyepieces" look suspicious, they all look the same, you could try looking through them to see if they are actually lenses.

[Bomber Bob]

A more usable view:

 

[Bomber Bob]

[Bomber Bob]

IDK... Gut Reaction:  Decorative Replica.

 

But... the tabletop mount very closely resembles the 1895 MacKenzie that I had my Mogey 3 on.  Note the Altitude Rod -- same style & function.  Ditto for the small eyelets on the OTA.  My Mogey also had a massive eyelet that attached to the mount head -- I think maybe larger than this one.

 

The Eyepieces look fake, not functional.  But, it has a Finder.  So do some of the modern India-made replicas.

 

I'd have to see the Lens.  And the Focuser - fully extended.  Some of the case's interior woodwork looks suspiciously modern to me, too.

 

Till then:  A way better than average Tribute / Display / Replica.

Edited by Bomber Bob, 13 March 2025 - 01:34 PM.

[jupiter122]

Could you please post the photos as JPEGs so that they are automatically shown in the post and we don't have to download unknown files from unknown sources just to be able to view them ... thank you ... 

Well, pdf files are permitted by CN, and I believe are therefore "appropriate". Also, my pictures appear the way they did here whether they are pdfs or jpegs. Don't know why.

 

Last, with hundreds of posts on this site, which you can verify, not sure it's appropriate to refer to me as an "unknown source."  Lunatic?  ✔  Old faht? ✔ Rank novice? ✔  But "unknown source"? Nah.

 

Tim

[Kasmos]

I'm getting mixed messages from it, so it's hard to say.

 

It's not one of the typical India-made fakes with the helical focusers but that doesn't mean it's a true antique.

Better clearer close ups would help a lot. 

A close up of the altitude nut on the library stand/tripod is sometimes a good clue.

As is the lens cell knurling and construction of the back end of the scope.

The type of box lock and the weathering around the hinges looks old, but the eyepieces and focuser knob looks suspect?

The extra wood tripod doesn't match any knock off or any maker I can think of.

It's overall shine makes me question if it's truely old?

Edited by Kasmos, 13 March 2025 - 02:11 PM.

[Kasmos]

OK, while it's not Identified it appears to be the same as this one auctioned in 2015

 

https://www.liveauct...cope-with-stand

 

The link is tricky to see it big.

Scroll down 2 rows to where you see it again.

Roll over the copy/type then click details

 

[Bomber Bob]

Here ya go:

 

 

Auction Scope isn't nearly as shiny as the CN Scope.  I see only 1 OTA eyelet for connecting the altitude arm.  But the CN tripod sure looks the same...

[Kasmos]

I just noticed that the auction scope has adjustable legs, but it's surely the same maker.

[Ken Launie]

Look more closely at the tripod legs shown in the OP's photos. The Live Auctioneer's tripod legs are adjustable, while these don't seem to be. 

This isn't a recent fake, though it does look like it has been heavily buffed recently. It's quite likely an authentic English telescope, looking at the case contents.

 

I live near Sudbury, MA and would be happy to take a look in person sometime.

[jupiter122]

Look more closely at the tripod legs shown in the OP's photos. The Live Auctioneer's tripod legs are adjustable, while these don't seem to be. 

This isn't a recent fake, though it does look like it has been heavily buffed recently. It's quite likely an authentic English telescope, looking at the case contents.

 

I live near Sudbury, MA and would be happy to take a look in person sometime.

Sent you a private message. 

 

Tim