A large Brass Library Telescope by Dollonds of London
Brass tube on a tripod base.
Engraved 'Dollond London', 'Judge Cator, Athenaeum Club S.W', and 'N.S.L Y3229'.
Original lens cover and sliding eye piece.
English circa 1790.
Height 58 cm
Tube length 109 cm
Total length 138 cm
Objective lens diameter 8 cm
Eyepiece diameter 4 cm.
On 21 April 1750, Peter Dollond opened a small optical business in Vine Street, near Hatton Garden in London. He was joined by his father, John Dollond in 1752. The Dollonds became notable for the quality of their optical products. In 1761 John Dollond, now a partner in the business, was appointed optician to King George III and the Duke of York and Albany.
Dollond telescopes are said to have sailed with Captain Cook on a voyage to observe the transit of Venus and to have been used by Lord Nelson. Peter Dollond died in 1821 but the company survived and in 1927 merged with Aitchison and Company to become Dollond and Aitchison.