The cosmetic condition is good although the the telescope has been well used and there is some staining on the leather cladding but all stitching is intact. It also comes with its original separate hard leather case which is in good sound condition and a later shoulder strap.

This is an early field telescope by Aitchison who later merged with Dollond to become todays high street opticians Dollond & Aitchison. Dating to the 1920's its in remarkably good condition, both optically & cosmetic. Relatively few instruments carry this name as the company was created by a collaboration between Henry Hughes & Sons & Kelvin, Bottomley & Baird Ltd, after the London Office's were destroyed following the Blitz in 1941, resulting in the establishing of Marine Instruments Ltd. It measures just over 18" closed, 25.5" fully extended with sliding sun shade and weighs just under 0.7 kg.This is quite a rare example of a WW2 Scout Regiment telescope, engraved ‘TEL. SCT. REGT. MK. 2. S, K.E.C. O.S. 126 G.A. 22208 ’ on the first draw, indicating it was made by the Kodak Eastman Company at their factory in North London, and this example also has the Military arrow impressed on it.

It measures 20.25" (515mm) closed, 38" (965mm) fully extended with sliding ray shade, there is also an internal swivel dust cover on the eyepiece.The brass tubes are dent free and retain virtually all of their non reflective coating with a draw action which is smooth but firm. Others, notably Chris Lord, have suggested that Schyrle three lens systems were used on telescopes well into the early part of the C19th: the construction of this scope does seem to bear that out, in that it would appear to be of the style of the early 1800s. The internal connectors between draws are conventional, but close fitting brass to brass, such that there are no cut-outs that can be pressed down to tighten the connections up. Fully functional with clear undamaged lenses and in very good cosmetic condition, the brass dent free tubes still have a firm draw action. A fine example of a WW1 period, single draw Officer of the Watch Naval telescope signed, ROSS, LONDON, No 55574. Measuring 29.5" ( 750mm) fully extended, the telescope collapses to just 6.25" ( 159mm) closed, and weighing just over 700g it comes in a modern drawstring pouch for protection. Price

Weighing just over 1.4kgs, it measures 10½" (270 mm) closed and 32½" (825 mm) fully extended, and the eyepiece cup is protected by an integral swivel dust cover. Price A classic antique telescope of some quality which is not only functional but also a nice display piece. A fine 3 draw leather clad tapered barrel field telescope made to the same spec as the signalling telescopes of WW1.

Looking good

Engraved 'BRITEX SPOTTER' on the draw tube, it was manufactured by W. Ottway who reproduced this design under different names including the 'Orion Spotter' & the 'Headquarter & General telescope', mainly on a wholesale basis which is why the Ottway name is not on the scope. The leather cladding appears to have been over painted at some point in the past, and still has the retaining loop attatched, although the leather end cap is no longer present. The stitched seam is also slightly stretched in places but is unbroken, see photos. The cosmetic condition is generally good, with all brass draw tubes free of dents, although the leather covering is a later glued on replacement.

The leather cladding on the main barrel is also very good, the stitched seam being unbroken, and the carry strap is a relatively modern replacement. The telescope does not have a serial number, suggesting it was probably a gift to Archibald Fawkes possibly from his brother Admiral Fawkes. H.M.S "Conway M.N. Cadet School. Trinity House Prize, Summer Term 1958. Awarded to Syed Farooq Hasan". The leather cladding and protective leather end cap are also in very good condition, with all the stitching intact & the brass draw tube is free of any dents. This particular model has a diopter ring for pre focusing, and measures, 13½" (340mm) closed, 22½" (570mm) fully extended with sliding ray shade. This is a quality telescope by a renowned maker, complete with its accessories and shoulder strap which although a little worn is still sturdy.

History

It also has the military arrow showing it to have been issued into service as part of the No 4T British Sniper kit for target spotting to the scout regiments.