telescope
telescope

telescope

Object

Accession Number
984.053.001.001
Description
A brass refracting telescope with celestial and terrestrial drawtubes, the F15 front objective Fraunhofer-type lens with an aperture of 11.5 cm, the focal length of the main barrel 165 cm, the length of the first focusing drawtube 48 cm, the second tube 22 cm, the spotting scope on top 26cm.
Narrative
The telescope was manufactured in France by A. Bardou & Sons of Paris and retailed by A. Chevalier. Its hardwood storage box and other eyepieces is part of the accession.

Hon. James Dunsmuir used this telescope on his yacht. The usefulness of such a large telescope on a private watercraft would normally be questionable due to the continuous movement of small boats. But at 218 feet in length, TSSY Dolaura was reasonably stable. It is likely that Mr. Dunsmuir and his friends used it to spot locations with birds and game before setting out for those places in motor launches or canoes. 
 
History of Use
This brass telescope was used by Hon. James Dunsmuir on TSSY Dolaura and at Hatley Park.
Date
circa 1880 – 1890
Dimensions
203 x 13 cm
Material
Metal, brass; Glass
Inscription
No. 1 Rue de la Bourse - Paris - A. Chevallier, A. Fontana, Succr.
Country of Origin
Republic of France

Related person/business/organization
James Dunsmuir (owner)
Related Associations
Dolaura (Twin Screw Steam Yacht) (was used in)
Hatley Park (was used in)