Huge Brass Harbor Master or "Counting House" Telescope on tripod, ca. 1880 - Lens Diameter 2 1/4 Inch (5,5 cm), made from Brass, Iron and Glass, with the original mahogony box - closed ca. 95 cm (37 1/2 in), fully extended ca. 120 cm (47 in) and ca. 48 cm (19 in) high - signed by maker Stanley, London - in working condition, slight chips at lens in front, several bumps in tube, traces of use and wear, otherwise ok - Export Price (incl. s&h): now reduced to EUR 795 (convert to other currency) - was EUR 980 before Note: A wonderful table telescope in its original mahogany case, coming from a Collection in Shropshire, England. William Ford Stanley (1829-1909) founded his company "Stanley & Co." in 1853 and made excellent drawing and surveying instruments (more info below). For an explaination of the term Counting House please refer to the explaination below.

Harbor Master Telescope (Stanley & Co. London - ca. 1880)

Offer currently only available for Europe * Photo Copyright is with the FineArtEmporium.

Presented by the FineArtEmporium in Hamburg.

Fortyseven Inch Stanley Counting House Telescope, ca. 1880 - Photo Copyright is with the FineArtEmporium.

This Marine Telescope has received recently a technical service from our optician and can be used for observation. Anyway, due to its age this is not a telescope for everyday use and has to be handled carefully and with caution. Here is another view:

and some more photos (at different light):

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and the original Transport mahogany case (with bumps and cracks):

and additional eyepieces. This telescope is complete with all three eyepieces:

Items like this was either used by the harbor master and his crew to observe the movements in and before the harbor or for mercantile purpose as a Counting House telescope. A Counting House telescope was used from harbor / land to read the signal flags that specified the contents of the cargo (eg. porcelain, silks, spices) of approaching but still distant ships. Runners were reading the flags and gave information to the auctioneers who was then taking bids from the merchants in the Counting House. W.F. Stanley and his firm Stanley & Co. were located in Great Turnstile, Holborn, London and produced a large range of instruments which are represented well in museums around the world. (Literature: Moskowitz, Webster etc.).

We would like to note on this occasion that such an Antique Telescope on Stand seems to be a real eyecatcher for people interesting in boats, ships, maritime etc. We were exhibiting another example of this type in our stand on the Duesseldorf Boat Fair in 2001 and there were thousands of people looking through it - although we did not invite someone to do so and although there was only a part of the hall ceiling visible through it. With families there were even trouble among the children who was allowed to look first ... So, if you need an attraction for your Hotel, Cafe, Restaurant or another public room associated or nearby the Sea, this might be a good choice for marine decoration and maritime interior design. Of cause this item is also suitable for private use in a larger living room or private library. It looks especially nice on top of a higher chest (as shown here on the photo in situ). The platform or table to carry the Stand / Tripod should have at least 40 x 40 cm (16 by 16 inch).

This offer includes expert packing in a wooden box, all necessary export / import papers, shipping by Fedex Intl. Priority to your door and separate insurance. This offer is valid for Europe only (other countries on request). We accept payment by bank transfer.

Any questions are welcome, please send your e-mail to: bais(at)gmx.de - This description has been written by Mr. Karsten Buchholz. We are also available at the phone in the morning of US time at no. 01149-4104-694710 or from Europe 0049-4104-694710 or in Germany at 04104-694710. Please note that an order can only be placed by email to avoid mistakes with the address. Collection and Payment by cash Euro or in Gold/Silver is also accepted. As always, this offer is subject to prior sale. We will be glad to serve you.

See here the short description of another Harbor Master Telescope, which we have sold in 2006 (the following item is NOT available for purchase):

Huge Brass Harbor Master or "Counting House" Telescope on tripod, ca. 1880 - made from Brass with wooden application on sight end of big tube, with the original mahogony box - extended 160 cm (63 inch) with 8,3 cm (3 1/4 inch) diameter of lens/tube, high 56 cm (22 inch) - by Samuel and Benjamin Solomons (Opticians to the Government, Albermarle Street, Picadilly, London) - in working condition, slight chips at lens in front, traces of use and wear, otherwise fine - the collection of a Maritime Museum, USA Note: Such huge and impressive examples are offered only very rarely. A wonderful table telescope in its original mahogany case, coming from a notable Notting Hill collection in London. For an explaination of the term Counting House please refer to the illustration page. Photo Copyright is with the FineArtEmporium.

Harbor Master Telescope (Samuel & B. Solomons, London)

* Photo Copyright is with the FineArtEmporium.