Wow! From the very era of the Model “T” (and much more
rare), from a time before Dolby surround sound, American Idol and Survivor,
from a time before “us”, when people apparently did more and “other” things
with their spare time. When craftsmen and tinkerers alike had access to many
and varied tools, skills, raw materials, and trades, including even the Sand
Casting of molten cast iron, comes a recluse relic, a rare survivor of its
time, which has somehow evaded the ravages of age and weather, the scrap metal
drives of WWII, the recycling drives of the 70’s, and even the high prices paid
for scrap metal today. A rare astronomical find, a nostalgic yet scientific
example of its day. -A real and rare treasure!
Hello everyone. Up for auction today is this fine handmade
research grade, museum grade Newtonian telescope from the 1920’s; (approx.)
f11.15, 8.25” dia. mirror. It was made
by a local gentleman who has now passed on. He was a serious amateur astronomer
and this telescope was originally housed in a dome. I have personally been
aware of this telescope since 1956. I hope the photographs will show adequate
detail to show the fine (even surprising) quality and detail of this homebuilt
telescope which was made by a man who was apparently a master craftsman.
TUBE ASSEMBLY
MEASURES 92” LONG X 9” DIAMETER.
The mirror section of the tube assembly is made of metal.
The rest of the tube assembly is made of individual wood strips. The boards are
held together by a number of “endless” brass bands. Shims (some being old double-edged razor
blades!) were originally added underneath some of the bands.
The telescope has always been gently stored indoors. All of
the boards are still in fine condition with no breaks, rotting, or other
damage, with almost no gaps between the boards, and the surface roundness is
extremely smooth.
The tube assembly has been stored vertically, standing on
the front end of the tube, yet this front wooden edge is still in wonderful
condition. NOTE: I have not altered the original flat black stained finish
(inside and out). I did not want to destroy the original patina.
The tube assembly is surrounded by (3) fine brass and wood
handles, and revolves smoothly via brass slides inside a heavy steel cage to
rotate the eyepiece to the observer.
F11.15 WITH 8.25” DIA
MIRROR:
The mirror is retained to its heavy steel mount by a brass
bezel. The mirror mounts to the rear of the tube assembly (and is notched for
mirror orientation) via (6) beveled (centering) wing bolts. (The mirror blank
measures 8.5” dia. X 1 3/16” thick, but the bezel flange reduces usable area
to 8.25”dia). The mirror needs to be recoated.
The mirror is protected by a removable metal dust cover
(lid) when the mirror is removed from the telescope. This same metal lid fits
over the front end of the telescope when the mirror is in place. The mirror is
accessed through the unique “porthole” opening on the side. (Closing tension
around the perimeter of the porthole door creates a light-tight seal when
closed).
DIAGONAL MIRROR:
The diagonal mirror is in generally good condition except
for having (3) chips along the leading edge plus one small scratch. Like the
main mirror, the diagonal mirror also needs to be recoated. Mirror dimensions:
2.1” X 1.47” X 0.25” thick.
SPIDER ASSEMBLY:
The spider assembly has a 1.42” dia. brass center mirror
mount with (3) brass knobs and stop nuts for adjusting the diagonal mirror, and
(3) brass tension blades with brass threaded ends and brass knobs. NOTES: one
threaded end and knob are missing. (This is the only item keeping the telescope
from being used [with foggy mirrors]).
EYEPIECE HOLDER:
The eyepiece holder is a fine (original) all brass unit which
threads into the threaded base mounted on the tube assembly. Focusing is
provided by a rack and pinion and controlled via a large 1.7” dia. brass knob.
An additional brass knob applies force against pinion/rack. Adjustment of focus
is smooth and easy even after all these years.
EYEPIECE:
The one (original) eyepiece (still fine and clear) has a
lens opening of 0.26” dia. and a 1.29” dia. brass barrel which slips into the
eyepiece holder.
CLOCK DRIVE WORM
GEAR:
The heart of the clock drive is the 9” dia. X 1.03” thick
WORM GEAR which does need to have its teeth re-cut due to considerable depth of
the rust on the teeth.
The WORM, which is captured in BRONZE BEARINGS and rotates
freely, is designed to revolve against the top of the WORM GEAR to cause the telescope
to track stars. The worm ass’y has recently had some parts replaced.
INTERESTING NOTE: The original complete clock drive was
powered by an old wind-up Victrola phonograph player motor. However, this old
motor has long since disappeared. –Sorry.
COUNTERWEIGHTS:
The main counterweight is a 9” dia. X 3.5” thick cast iron
“bell” with 0.95” thick wall and with the center area having been filled with
molten lead.
A second, smaller counterweight measures 4.2” dia. X 2.4”.
CAST IRON MOUNTING
BASE:
Unlike the tube assembly, the heavy cast iron base section
has been subjected to some weather. Nearly every part has been removed and
refurbished.
The (2) 1.4” dia. “axels” for this base assembly are held in
place by cast iron yokes, with oiling holes, and internal brass bearings which
(once again) allow free and smooth rotation. The axle for Polar Rotation
measures 29” long. The axle for the counterweight measures 33” long.
Position holding brakes (applying pressure to the axles to
hold the telescope at some desired angle) consists of (3) custom made 2.8” dia.
brass knobs, and work very well.
The base includes several, custom made, sand cast, cast iron
parts. (Very surprising and impressive for a home built project!). The azimuth
for the telescope is fully adjustable and is presently set for its original
location in Indiana. The base
unit has (4) thick angle iron legs which bolt to a 1” thick cast iron “cross”
base plate
Finally, at the floor, the base unit bolts to an old, very
heavy, (original) cast iron 32.25” dia. X 1.25” thick “tractor wheel weight”
ring. This completed base unit provides incredible stability. The original
domed observatory where this telescope was originally housed, had a sand floor
(did not transfer foot vibrations, etc.) and the whole operable unit rested on
the well compacted sand.
In closing; this is an exceptional telescope and a very rare
find. If you have any questions or would like further explanations regarding
any devices, etc. for the telescope, please do not hesitate to ask. I have MANY
photos that should help to answer any question. All parts described here are
included, plus various miscellany.
==This telescope is
available for examination by appointment==
==and welcomed==
NOTE: THIS ITEM IS FOR LOCAL PICK UP ONLY.
Estimated weight: 500 lbs.
PAYPAL PREFERRED. NO foreign checks of any kind accepted. NO
Personal Checks accepted.
–I will GLADLY leave positive feedbacks for transactions
completed in a timely fashion. I will likewise leave negative feedbacks for non-paying
bidders. If you have less than 10 eBay feedbacks (positive!!), be sure to email
me before bidding. I reserve the right to reject bidders with poor feedback
history.
Thank you for looking and good luck to you.
)
