I can honestly say I didn't rush out and grab this scope that was about 45 minutes from me. I posted it here on CN and mentioned it a few times. I even posted the ad to my fellow club members. Am I the only guy in SE Michigan who likes these old classics? Maybe so. I'd guess that of the about the last 20 scopes I have purchased over the years, about 15 of them have been local.
Anyway, with no other people contacting the seller, and he kept dropping the price, I decided, why not.
So a Sears 6344 has a Haint Blue color. It is believed the haint blue color origins were to ward off evil spirits, or "haints", by mimicking the sky or water, which spirits are said to avoid. It also serves as a practical purpose by deterring wasps and other insects. Whether the later really works is yet to be seen, and if it wards of evil spirits, the same. I wonder if that was the thought process in the choosing the color by the manufacturers, or did they just like the color?
Second anyways. So the Sears 6344 has a 76.4mm x 1200mm lens. These scopes were made by SYW. I'm told that these lenses are on par with the ones that were made by RAO. Or did SYW purchase all the extra lenses after RAO stopped making scopes?
I'll have my first light with this scope soon. The OTA is ready to go.
After getting the scope home, I spent most of the day yesterday cleaning it up and putting it back together. Nice little project when it's 97* outside.
Everything is there except for the B1 and B2 Styrofoam inserts.
When I first looked at the scope in person, I checked the lens immediately. If it was excellent, I was going to give the seller more. But dang, it had two small clams.
I've already cleaned the lens and blacked-out the clams. Looking up thru the focuser at the lens, the blacked-out clams aren't really noticeable. I'll post pictures at another time.
The scope came with all its accessories like the 5 different colored eyepieces, and the little tray light.
The tube has a few minor scratches and nicks in the paint, as does the focuser, but I'll leave it as is. It looks very good with those life marks. The finder is in very good condition. These finders have little protection rings for the adjustment screws.
The dew shield is out of round, but I can fix that easily.
The mount had some issues, but I quickly fixed those. I do a deep cleaning at another time. I have an older mount from a 6335/6339 scope and comparing it to the 6344, there are some slight differences. I'll post picture on them at another time.
The metal tripod legs are very sturdy, but I don't care for them. I'll use them in a assembled scope picture, but when I take the OTA to an outreach event I'll use an old CG-5 mount.
The wood box is solid, but needs a little work. Man, these boxes are wide! I cannot carry it by the handles. Who the heck has arms that long? (haha, probably anyone but me.)
With a SN of 1063, it is the 3rd oldest known for the registry. (shout out to BB)
The seller was the original owner, and was glad it was going to a good home.
Edited by Garyth64, 23 June 2025 - 10:43 AM.
