Description

A silver and shagreen telescope etui by Ribright, mid-18th century,

Dimension: length 10cm (4”), diameter 2.45cm (1”)

ca. 1750

The silver cylindrical tube covered with green shagreen with an eyepiece to the top end with adjustable cover stamped RIBRIGHT OPTICIAN FECIT LONDON, the base with other lens also with cover (operated by a lever), the cylindrical case with lid opening up to reveal the interior case stamped BY EY KINGS ROYAL PATENT and instruments including a pair of scissors in silver and steel, a knife in silver and steel, a silver dividers, a silver bodkin and a silver foldable ruler.

Lenses in excellent condition. The spyglass is in working order and can be focused opening the etui to different focal points.

Very good condition.

Thomas Ribright the elder (w1735 – d1772) was an optician and member of the Spectacle-Makers’ Company of which he became master 1758-60. A apparentice of Thomas III Sterrop, he booked eight apprentices and was succeeded by his son George. He held formal appointments as instrument maker to the Prince of Wales and to the Office of the Ordanance. The elegant compendium of drawing and optical instruments, of which an example is offered here, was patented by him in 1749 (Patent No 649) being described as ‘An entirely new method of making small perspective glasses with mathematical & other instruments and tweezers in one and the same case, both with and without Microscopes or Magnifying Glasses therein, in a very portable, neat, & ornamental manner…‘

Very rare signed instrument, complete with inner fittings and in sterling silver.