Featured Joseph Hughes Telescope. London, 1800s.

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by Shangas, Dec 9, 2021.

  1. Shangas

    Shangas Underage Antiques Collector and Historian

    So, I won this at auction this week.

    Seven-draw brass telescope, with baleen covering!

    Really cute!...and my first baleen telescope. Apart from general aging of the brass, the telescope is in excellent condition and focuses really well (or it did, once I gave the lenses a damn good cleaning!!)

    baleen01.jpg baleen03.jpg baleen04.jpg baleen05.jpg

    The draw tube is engraved:

    "J. Hughes. LONDON."
    "To adjust by sliding in the second draw".

    "J. Hughes. LONDON" eventually became the company H.Hughes & Son, or so my research tells me. "J. Hughes" was Joseph Hughes, whose company was inherited by his son, Henry Hughes, and his brother, Joseph Hughes Junior. When he was old enough, Henry Hughes' son (and Joseph Senior's grandson), Alexander Hughes, also started working at the firm.

    The auction writeup said that the telescope was from "the 1850s". Not sure what they based this date on, but...whatever. It's still really cool!
     
    Shangas, Dec 9, 2021
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  2. wiscbirddog

    wiscbirddog Well-Known Member

    Spectacular!
     
    wiscbirddog, Dec 9, 2021
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  3. Bakersgma

    Bakersgma Well-Known Member

    A great addition to your collection!
     
    Bakersgma, Dec 9, 2021
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  4. Potteryplease

    Potteryplease Well-Known Member

    Very cool! Well done.
     
    Potteryplease, Dec 9, 2021
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  5. Shangas

    Shangas Underage Antiques Collector and Historian

    I just realised that this is the second H. Hughes telescope in my collection. :)
     
    Shangas, Dec 9, 2021
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    kyratango, Bakersgma, judy and 3 others like this.
  6. judy

    judy Well-Known Member

    Congratulations to you!!!:cat::cat::cat:
     
    judy, Dec 10, 2021
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