DOLLOND, CIRCA 1860

Details

A SILVER-GILT TELESCOPE
DOLLOND, CIRCA 1860
The 2 ½-inch refractor with five draw tubes and screw dust cap, the main body embellished with fine raised floral motifs, and badge of the Prince of Wales and a device with the three tuğs of the Sultan above, signed to the eyepiece, signed to the eyepiece with sliding lens cover.
12 ½in. (32 cm.) closed
44 in. (114 cm.) extended

Provenance

By repute: Royal gift to Abdul Aziz Khan, Sultan of Turkey (1861-1876) by Edward, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII
By descent to Abdul Hamid II, Sultan of Turkey (1876-1909)
By Royal gift to M. Edward Huguenin, circa 1900.
With Sam Fogg, 2018.
Whence acquired by current owner.

Conditions of sale

Brought to you by

Thomas Williams International Head of English Furniture & Clocks

twilliams@christies.com +44 207 752 3239

Lot Essay

This exceptional instrument remains one of the most impressive presentation telescopes ever crafted by London's leading optician. Remarkably preserved and highly ornate, this scientific instrument represents the collaboration and intersection between ornamentation and science. Presented in silver gilt the highly decorative body conceals a functioning telescope.

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