Impressive Antique Five Bodies Marine Spyglass. Scotland, Circa 1860

Wonderful golden-brass marine spyglass with leather covering, made in the middle of the 19th century and in good condition. This amazing instrument is a first-class marine antique for its beauty and high quality. It is composed of five brass drums and preserves the original lens and eyepiece. The spyglass is intended to watch objects located in long distances, an essential feature for in marine models. Though the leather that covers the instruments main drum shows some signs of wear, in general it is in good condition and keeps the original lid too. The spyglass or telescope is supposed to have been invented between the 16th and the 17th centuries. Though Hans Lippershey is generally credited with inventing the first model, there is evidence that some years before Gianbattista Porta had designed an instrument which made it possible to watch faraway objects as if they were near. It seems that Portas invention also inspired Zacharias Jansons design, also appearing before Lippsersheys spyglass. Nevertheless, it was Galileo Galilei who first used a telescope as a method to gaze the stars and interpret the skies. At first, spyglasses and telescopes were mainly used by naturalists and seamen. The lovely spyglass that we can see in the images is precisely a ship item. The slimmest drum or cylinder containing the eye pieces bears a series of engraved numbered regular divisions. The body that follows it shows an elegant engraved inscription in cursive lettering that reads: Lennie, 46 Princess Street, Edinburg. This was the name and address of the spyglasss manufacturer, an optic and marine instrument manufacturer located in Scotlands capital city. The Lennie family ran an opticians business from 1840. The company was based at 46 Princes Street, almost opposite the Scott Monument, from 1856 until 1921. All the lovers of sea-related antiques will appreciate the beauty and the quality of this awesome antique spyglass. Measurements: Length: 32.6 in / 53 cm.