Victorian Brass Single Draw Telescope by COX DEVONPORT For Sale

Victorian Brass Single Draw Telescope by COX DEVONPORT

A Proper British made 19th century nickel-plated brass telescope with a leather-covered main tube. The single draw telescope includes a sliding dust shield to the flat ended eyepiece. It is engraved on the draw with the maker COX DEVONPORT. Measures 33” fully open and 25-1/2” closed. 1-1/2” lens. This is unrestored and functions as it should. The near image produced seems good but the far off seems a bit blurry and therefore it is being sold as-is and should be serviced for optimal viewing. Much wear to the leather covering as to be expected but survives in good usable condition and without leather losses.

HISTORY OF THE MAKER:The Cox family were trading as opticians and scientific instrument makers from the beginnings of the nineteenth century, having an establishment date of 1806. Records suggest that a William Cox was trading at this period and later i1822, a William Charles Cox (who may be one in the same or a son) had premises across Fore Street and Southside Street until 1857. His advertisements from this period, announce him as an “optical and nautical instrument maker”. Taking advantage of the necessary requirements of a naval station and its inhabitants, Cox was an agent to Robert Brettell Bate for admiralty charts and agent to both John Roger Arnold and Edward John Dent (EJDent) as a supplier of their “admiralty chronometers”. In addition, this instrument’s inscription provides evidence that the Cox firm was a supplier to The Royal Western Yacht Club. Founded in 1827 as The Port of Plymouth Royal Clarence Regatta Club it had taken on its current name by 1833.