Description
A fine and authentic antique brass pocket telescope (spyglass) by T & T Blunt, London, marked on one of the draw sections. This is a well-made multi-draw example with elegant knurled detailing and a pleasing original patina.
T & T Blunt were prominent London-based makers of scientific and optical instruments in the late 19th to early 20th century.
Based on the construction style, engraving, and materials, this telescope dates to circa 1890–1910 (late Victorian to early Edwardian period).
Pocket telescopes by Blunt were commonly used by: naval and merchant officers, travellers and explorers, engineers and surveyors.
Today, they are highly regarded for their craftsmanship, provenance, and display appeal. Very rare to find.
Details:
- Maker: T & T Blunt, London
- Type: Multi-draw (7-draw) pocket telescope / spyglass
- Material: Brass
- Focus: Achieved via draw extension
- Compact when collapsed; beautifully proportioned when fully extended
- Approx. late 19th to early 20th century
- Length: 35mm (closed) – 115mm (fully extended)
- Objective lens diameter: 42mm
- Weight: 149 g
Good antique condition with age-related wear and patina to metal surfaces. The brass tubes are well preserved, with no major marks. Optically functional well. A small chip is present on the edge of the objective lens, but it is very small and shallow, hardly noticeable and has no impact on viewing performance. Please see photos for full detail.
The marks visible in the centre of the lens are surface wear on the outside of the glass only. These are most likely the result of being carried in pocket over time, as the telescope does not have a lens cap. The marks do not affect the internal optics. It is possible that they could be reduced or removed through professional polishing. (For information update – we have now found a suitable lens cap for this item and have added it to the package).
The main barrel is finely knurled with decorative geometric patterns, typical of quality late Victorian/Edwardian craftsmanship and designed to provide both grip and visual appeal.
