4 replies to this topic

[VPT]

A friend recently spotted this scope in an antique shop.  He is not a collector of antique telescopes, just a member of a local outreach observing group, but is perhaps interested in purchasing. 

I have been unable to determine the year of production of the scope.  The shop owner says he bought it in London in 1984 and was told it was pre-WWII vintage.  According to the shop owner and my friend who actually saw the scope, there is no date or serial number engraved on the scope. 

The shop owner says the scope is functioning and he would like to sell quickly as it has been crowding his small shop for years.  He says $3000 is the price he is looking for.  The shop is an hour drive for me, so I have not inspected or tested it.

Does anyone know the year of production and the ballpark value and "prestige" of this item?

Thanks in advance for any info.

Noah

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[starman876]

it looks like it is sitting on a camera tripod.  Not sure if the yoke that is holding the scope belongs to it. Does not look original. Also, the lens does not look like it is in good condition. Is it worth $3000.  I don't think so. However, in its  current condition I do not know what it is worth.  

[photoracer18]

I can tell you the company was in business from 1897 after taking over the F. E. Becker & Co (1872) to at least the 1950's under the same name, W & J George and Becker, Ltd. and they sold and/or made other types of scientific gear like spectroscopes. They were listed as being in both London and Birmingham. 

[VPT]

Thanks everybody!  This info is enough for me to advise my friend.  Really appreciate it!

 

Noah

[RichA]

A friend recently spotted this scope in an antique shop.  He is not a collector of antique telescopes, just a member of a local outreach observing group, but is perhaps interested in purchasing. 

I have been unable to determine the year of production of the scope.  The shop owner says he bought it in London in 1984 and was told it was pre-WWII vintage.  According to the shop owner and my friend who actually saw the scope, there is no date or serial number engraved on the scope. 

The shop owner says the scope is functioning and he would like to sell quickly as it has been crowding his small shop for years.  He says $3000 is the price he is looking for.  The shop is an hour drive for me, so I have not inspected or tested it.

Does anyone know the year of production and the ballpark value and "prestige" of this item?

Thanks in advance for any info.

Noah

The irony of vintage telescopes.  Some are willingly to pay more for a scope that they wouldn't pay $200 for from a performance standpoint.  In other words, a Celestron Omni 102 would kick the c--- out of these old achromats, mostly.  But they look good in a den.