CIRCA 1740, WITH BALEEN BINDING CIRCA 1820

Details

A FRENCH 2-INCH RELFECTING TELESCOPE
CIRCA 1740, WITH BALEEN BINDING CIRCA 1820
The tube bound with spiral-patterned baleen, stamped STEINBERG PATENT LONDON, the stand and tube of Passement's design
14in. (36cm.)

Literature

Talbot, S. 'Steinberg: baleen-binder of telescopes and canes, c.1815-40', Bulletin of the Scientific Instrument Society no.91 (2006) pp.12-15

Special notice

Prospective buyers should be aware that the importation of Rolex watches into the United States is highly restricted. Rolex watches may not be shipped into the USA and can only be imported personally. Generally a buyer may import only one watch into the USA. For further information please contact our specialists in charge of the sale. Please note other countries may have comparable import restrictions for luxury watches.

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Lot Essay

Claude-Siméon Passement, engineer to the King, was the first French optician to make reflecting telescopes. The present tube and stand are based on his design of 1738, and were almost certainly made by him, or by his workshop. The lasting status of this telescope is exemplified by the luxury baleen binding, almost a century later, in London, making this a rare and fascinating example of the social use of the telescope.

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