Lot 75

Gilbert & Sons, London

A rare London library telescope on solid brass tripod stand

This sleekly proportioned example comes complete with its beautifully manufactured solid brass tripod. It measures 48 cm in height, 120 cm fully extended and has a 5,5 cm objective lens. It maintains its original lens cap. The instrument is offered complete with achromatic objective lenses in its original mahogany case.

During the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the Gilbert family of Tower Hill carried a huge reputation, rivalling that of the Dollond and Ramsden for their skill of manufacture. The firm used the name Gilbert & Sons during the years 1806-1818. Prior to that, the firm was called Gilbert & Wright.