spy glass and/or telescope

[Fort Greene Ville]

Anyone have or for that matter looked for information regarding the history of the slide handheld telescope?

I know it seems boats-men, military, and possibly surveyors would have used such an item. I myself have just not thought to look at the historic references in this regard.

I was considering one for hunting whilst in my PC attire.

What do you think?

FGV

[hawkeye]

I carry a small brass telescope in my haversack when in 'uniform'. It has come in handy on occasion.  I don't know the historic providence of carrying a glass though other than sailors, officers or surveyors that you mentioned.

[Sir Michael]

In his journal for the 1825/6 expedition, Peter Ogden includes this reference.

With the glass we could observe Blackfeet scattered about the hills watching our motions.

From this I would conclude that they were in the mountains and some folks were using them.  I think it would depend a great deal on where you are, the type of terrain, and the density of the vegetation.

[Kermit]

I, too, have a small brass 'scope that rides in my haversack. Never gave much thought to PC-ness though. It's about 7" collapsed and about a foot extended. It focuses by push/pull and is about 2 or 3 power with a tiny field of view. Handy, nevertheless. It often gets employed as a "spotting scope" at the range. Just a fair long-looker in the field. A sorry substitute for modern optics. I have another larger brass 'scope that rides in my seachest. Not doing much traditional sailing anymore though.

[No Rod]

OK so you piqued my interest and now I'm looking for a source for a spy glass. Well?

[Bigsmoke]

Back after Haley's Comet invaded our night skies, some outfit had a bunch of these little brass telescopes in wooden cases made up.  After the excitement was over, and I got a bunch of them on a closeout special.  I think I bought them by the case for $5.00 a piece.  I took a couple of cases to Friendship that year and sold them all at a pretty good profit but still at a reasonable price.  The only thing was, they had Haley's Comet engraved on the side with a comet logo.  Wrap a piece of light leather around it and so what?  Wish I still had some of those left.
Where to get them now I am not sure, but I would try Track or Townsend first off.  Not sure if G Gedney Godwin carries that sort of stuff or not, but they would be worth a try as well.

[Sir Michael]

Check this place out.

http://www.stanleylondon.com/sextopti.htm

Townsend also has one.

http://jas-townsend.com/product_info.php?products_id=1038&osCsid=4715a9e02e63c1b289bedcf716515328

[hawkeye]

Check this place out.

http://www.stanleylondon.com/sextopti.htm

That's where I got mine from.

[nobber]

I have a 4 inch and a 1.5 inch burning lens and I have a triangular piece of leather I make my own telescope out of. works pretty slick and the lens have dual purpose as burning lens.


Eric Davis

[Fort Greene Ville]

Nobbler
I considered something along that line. Like the one in the Kevin Costner's Robin Hood. Can you post any pictures of what you've made?

Sir Michael,
That is the sight I book marked as well. Only thing with theirs is they coat the brass to never tarnish. A patina version would be great.

I'm sure one could find a nice buy with a careful eye in a flea market or two  
FGV

[Sir Michael]

Sir Michael, ... Only thing with theirs is they coat the brass to never tarnish. A patina version would be great.

If you want to remove the lacquer all you need to do is get a bottle of Ammonia and a bag of cotton balls and start cleaning. It won't take you long to get all of the lacquer off and it will start tarnishing almost immediately. :hey-hey  :hey-hey    :rt th

[Three Hawks]

Keep in mind, no matter what sort of spy-glass you get that anything over about 8-10 power is difficult to use when hand held as the image jumps frantically due to the unsteady human hand.  Telescopes are particularly difficult to hold steady.

Three Hawks

[No Rod]

thanks guys. I'm going to pick one up before hunting season.

[Sean]

Check this place out.

http://www.stanleylondon.com/sextopti.htm

That's where I got mine from.

David,

Which one do you have and how would you rate the quality of it optically compared to say a cheap pair of Bushnell glasses?  Some of the ones they make are somewhat modern and others not so.  Been thinking about ordering one of their 12 power spy glasses and I'd be interested in hearing a report on them.

Thanks,

Sean

[hawkeye]

I have this one:



http://www.stanleylondon.com/tele9-5.htm

It has a narrow field of view and the sharpness is OK but not stellar. In other words, very period correct.