Description

An optical oddity as only Dollond could have produced. I have seen many of these monoculars (single draw brass pocket telescopes) by Dollond but this is a first for me. Special order piece for close up viewing (theatre?), this telescope exhibits all of the usual Dollond features with a green glass 1 1/2″ doublet OG, 4 1/4 inches closed, 6 inches open. However, the ray skin barrel is an oddity, both ends have diagonally knurled, screw on end caps. The eyepiece AND barrel are stamped with a 0 instead of the usual near and far ( 1 and 2 delineations on the barrel) markings. What this does optically, is this: when fully extended optics are clear and sharp, however magnification is low (5-10X). When compressed to the 0 line, optics are clear and sharp however magnification increases to 20X (or so it would seem). I have never encountered this reversal of optics. It is my belief that this must have been a special order for use at close distances (theater?) or for someone who was extremely myopic (elderly lady?). The eyepiece, not having the usual flare with sliding protective cover would indicate that the client wanted the optics easily accessible. It is also of a larger diameter than the other Dollond I have listed. Best focal distance is about 5 m. (15-20 feet). Would be perfect for observing birds at a feeder.

The barrel has one or two shrinkage cracks in the skin but NO losses. One of the tiny brass screws is missing from the OG bracket. Other than that, this hand held monocular is well protected with the threaded end caps and has seen little use in it’s 250 + year existence. Certainly not your average cat.