15 replies to this topic

[Flint&Flame]

Hello all,
I’m new to all this so please bear with me. I hope I’ve posted this in the right place, I sincerely apologise if I haven’t!
I have recently inherited a 4inch f12 Irving refractor telescope from my late grandfather. It is incredibly special to me as this gave me a very early insight into visual astronomy as a child. I have very many happy memories of using it with him in Devon (England).
The telescope was in a very poor state and I have spent the last month or so restoring it to how I remember it to be, maintaining its green colour (not that I’m sure it’s actually the original colour)!
It’s in a much better state now and I am very keen to find out as much as I can about it.
I know that it has a Henry Wildey achromatic lens system. On removing the lenses to clean them, it was nice to see Henry Wildey hand written on the side with its production date of July 1977.
The optics seem very good, giving lovely bright and clear views although I’ve only had limited time to use it given the light evenings.
I am keen to research where he got it from. In one of his astronomy books I found an envelope with notes he’s had jotted down on the rear. There were 2 addresses, one for Irving and son and one for astrosystems of luton. I am keen to know whether this was where he sourced the telescope? On researching I can’t find any reference as to whether they were a distributor of Irving refractors. I know that on historic forum pages on this site, there are people who may have even worked there and maybe able to shed some light for me?
I would love to find any literature such as manuals or adverts relating to the telescope as there seems to be very little out there. I cannot find a single picture on google of a telescope that looks like mine.
I would welcome any insight that you fine people may be able to offer.
Many thanks in anticipation

[R Botero]

Congratulations on appreciating your grandfather’s telescope and keeping it! You could start by reading Chris Lord’s obituary of Ronald Irving (https://britastro.or...1915 - 2005.pdf). You may also find speaking to Peter Drew, who is a member here and on Stargazer’s Lounge, useful as he’s one of the founders of AstroSystems of Luton: https://www.cloudyni...stems-of-luton/. Post some pictures of your instrument when you get a chance. 
 

Roberto

[Don W]

Congratulations!!

[combatdad]

What a treasure!  Please post lots of pics.

 

Dave

Edited by combatdad, 14 June 2025 - 09:44 AM.

[Flint&Flame]

Thanks all for the messages, and indeed the link to the obituary and Astro systems thread, I really appreciate it. From the content of the astrosystems link there appears to be some very knowledgable folk here! The photos unfortunately don’t show any telescopes looking like mine. However there’s loads of useful info relating to the company and its founders. I will try to message Peter Drew if I can get my head round it - first time I’ve ever joined a forum so just finding my feet! I’ll try and upload some pics too! Thanks again everyone 😃

[Flint&Flame]

Here’s a photo following the restoration. It’s exactly the same colour. However I’ve added an accessory tray and new eyepieces as the originals seem to have gone astray

Attached Thumbnails

• 

Edited by Flint&Flame, 14 June 2025 - 01:40 PM.

[Flint&Flame]

Objective lens 

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[Flint&Flame]

Close up of the AZ mount 

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[Flint&Flame]

Thanks again Roberto for the links that will no doubt kickstart my mission to find out as much as I can about the origins of my family heirloom!

[R Botero]

That’s a beautiful instrument and you have done a fantastic restoration job! 

 

I think your tripod may be a Rob Miller tripod from AstroSystems rather than made in the R N Irving shop. It looks very similar to those he produced until recently for Paramount mounts. They are very coveted in the US where he moved to. 
 

The AZ mount is beautiful and very similar to the mount holding an Dollond refractor I restored in 2020: https://www.cloudyni...ripod-and-case/ Obviously Irving was very much influenced by the style of the times (the Dollond being early 20th century). Yours is so much nicer! I love the Az graduations. 
 

Please post more pictures of the lens cell. It looks fantastic. 
 

Roberto

Edited by R Botero, 15 June 2025 - 01:22 AM.

[NuovaApe]

I found this "Astro Systems 10" F4.5 Newtonian Reflector" for sale on ENS Optical:

https://ensoptical.c...roduct_id=15342

£350

 

The link will disappear once sold, so

 

"In good used condition for its vintage, I am not 100% sure if its F/4.5 but its seems about right. Looks to me like the primary is in nice condition but the secondary works fine but with need a re-coat sometime in the future as the edges of the flat show evidence of desilvering.

 

These are reputed to have the much sort after David Hinds mirror"

 

The jpg on ENS is quite compressed, but I think the address was this:

GENESIS HOUSE

24 Old Bedford Road

Luton

 

No. 24 looks to be a hair salon these days.

I'm guessing that was the registered business address rather than the shop.

Happy sleuthing!

 

Best, Ed.

PS I bought my 2nd hand Takahashi Collimating scope from ENS recently, so I can vouch for them.

[Terra Nova]

Here’s a photo following the restoration. It’s exactly the same colour. However I’ve added an accessory tray and new eyepieces as the originals seem to have gone astray

Congratulations. You have an outstandingly beautiful instrument there!

[Flint&Flame]

I found this "Astro Systems 10" F4.5 Newtonian Reflector" for sale on ENS Optical:

https://ensoptical.c...roduct_id=15342

£350

 

The link will disappear once sold, so

 

ensoptical_2.jpg

ensoptical_3.jpg

"In good used condition for its vintage, I am not 100% sure if its F/4.5 but its seems about right. Looks to me like the primary is in nice condition but the secondary works fine but with need a re-coat sometime in the future as the edges of the flat show evidence of desilvering.

 

These are reputed to have the much sort after David Hinds mirror"

 

The jpg on ENS is quite compressed, but I think the address was this:

GENESIS HOUSE

24 Old Bedford Road

Luton

 

No. 24 looks to be a hair salon these days.

I'm guessing that was the registered business address rather than the shop.

Happy sleuthing!

 

Best, Ed.

PS I bought my 2nd hand Takahashi Collimating scope from ENS recently, so I can vouch for them.

Fantastic information, thank you. It seems they did quite a lot of reflectors but maybe not so many refractors?? Superb bit of investigative work though, it much appreciated! 

[Flint&Flame]

That’s a beautiful instrument and you have done a fantastic restoration job! 

 

I think your tripod may be a Rob Miller tripod from AstroSystems rather than made in the R N Irving shop. It looks very similar to those he produced until recently for Paramount mounts. They are very coveted in the US where he moved to. 
 

The AZ mount is beautiful and very similar to the mount holding an Dollond refractor I restored in 2020: https://www.cloudyni...ripod-and-case/ Obviously Irving was very much influenced by the style of the times (the Dollond being early 20th century). Yours is so much nicer! I love the Az graduations. 
 

Please post more pictures of the lens cell. It looks fantastic. 
 

Roberto

Here’s a couple of the lens cell. Regrettably I didn’t take many photos mid restoration. 

Attached Thumbnails

• 
• 

[Flint&Flame]

That’s a beautiful instrument and you have done a fantastic restoration job!

I think your tripod may be a Rob Miller tripod from AstroSystems rather than made in the R N Irving shop. It looks very similar to those he produced until recently for Paramount mounts. They are very coveted in the US where he moved to.

The AZ mount is beautiful and very similar to the mount holding an Dollond refractor I restored in 2020: https://www.cloudyni...ripod-and-case/ Obviously Irving was very much influenced by the style of the times (the Dollond being early 20th century). Yours is so much nicer! I love the Az graduations.

Please post more pictures of the lens cell. It looks fantastic.

Roberto

Roberto, I’ve just had a chance to look at your dolland project.
Wow that Telescope is very handsome indeed, all that brass!!! Love it! My tube is aluminium as is the mounting bracket. As you say the mount is very similar as is the top of the tripod. Mine is steel as well and as with yours, mine had rusted terribly which was the main reason why I wanted to restore it. You’ve done such a lovely job of that. I love the box too. I’ve been pondering making a box to keep it protected and am keen to make one that is in keeping with its vintage. That has certainly given me food for thought.
Thank you once again
All the very best

[starman876]

Here’s a photo following the restoration. It’s exactly the same colour. However I’ve added an accessory tray and new eyepieces as the originals seem to have gone astray

awesome scope congratulations