Record

Telescope

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probably made in London

Postcard of Telescope.
000-100-102-716-C
© National Museums Scotland

Telescope

This reflecting telescope (pictured here in its fitted case) was made around 1730, probably by Edward Scarlett, an eminent scientific instrument maker based in London between 1705 and 1743.

The telescope has brass barrel with a blackened shagreen cover. The label on the inside of the lid of the rosewood box reads 'Edward Scarlett / Optician to his / MAJESTY KING GEORGE / the Second London / Fecit'.

Edward Scarlett (the Elder) was granted a Royal Appointment to George II in 1727, and was Master of the Spectacle Makers' Company, an important London guild, between 1720 and 1722.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-100-102-716-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1968.75
Date: Around 1725
c. 1730
Material: Brass barrel, blackened shagreen cover, rosewood box. Inscription: Edward Scarlett / Optician to his / MAJESTY KING GEORGE / the Second London / Fecit
Dimensions: 2.25" H x 7.63" L x 3.25" W; 6.75" L x 1.88" D
What: Telescope, reflecting
Subject: 3. ASTRONOMY, Reflecting telescopes (Departmental Classification)
22. PHYSICS, Light (Departmental Classification)
Who: Edward Scarlett, London (Optician)
King George II (Inscribed on the telescope)
Where: England, London
Event:
Description: Reflecting telescope made by E. Scarlett of London, c. 1730
References:
  • For early Gregorian telescopes, see Simpson, A. D. C., 'James Gregory and the Reflecting Telescope' in Journal for the History of Astronomy 23 (1992), pp 77-92 
  • For Scarlett, see Clifton, Gloria, Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851. London: 1995, pp 244-5 
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