Description

An unusually stout, eight draw pocket refracting telescope by William Harris of 47 Holborn Street c.1810.

OG measuring 1 3/4 inches in diameter, 5 1/2 inches closed and 29 inches open. Wonderful script signature on the first draw, “Wm. Harris’s, Improv’d Pocket Telescope, 47 Holborn, LONDON”, the optics are clear and sharp although itt has had one hard knock in it’s 200 year lifetime resulting in 3 edge chips of the OG (outside of the focal plane) and a slight bruise of the collar. The draws are nice and tight, the barrel covered in black leather and the ocular lens protected by a sliding cover. Removeable OG brass cap intact. The early knurled roping is indicative of the age. The magnification is 15-20X. A good early example of Harris’s workmanship.

William Harris set up business at 47 Holborn Street in 1805 and remained at that address for 10 years moving up the street to No. 50 in 1815. With the inclusion of others , it became Harris & Co. thereafter, until his son Richard joined the firm and the name changed to Wm. Harris & Son from 1831-1855.