Telescope

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This telescope was made in 1820 by James Veitch, a scientific instrument maker and ploughwright based in Jedburgh in the Borders. It was probably made for Admiral Sir George Elliot, second son of one of Veitch's patrons, the first Earl of Minto.

The reflecting telescope has a brass objective and an octagonal brass-bound wooden barrel. The lower brass band is marked 'JAMES VEITCH / INCHBONNY 1820'. The instrument was originally mounted on a stand but this is now missing.

James Veitch's interest in astronomy turned to instrument making, first for himself, and then he was gradually persuaded by his agricultural patrons to sell what he made to them. His main line was telescopes with metal mirrors.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-835-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1987.316
• Date: Around 1820
  c. 1820
  
• Material: Brass, wood. Inscription: JAMES VEITCH / INCHBONNY 1820; Admiral Elliott
  Telescope, reflecting, Gregorian
  
• Dimensions: 1360 mm x 170 mm x 170 mm
  
• What: Telescope, reflecting, Gregorian
  
• Subject: 22. PHYSICS, Light (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: Admiral Elliott (Inscribed on the telescope)
  James Veitch, Jedburgh (Maker)
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Jedburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: Five-inch Gregorian reflecting telescope by James Veitch of Jedburgh, c. 1820
  
• References:
  • Clarke, T.N., Morrison-Low, A.D. & Simpson, A.D.C. Brass & glass scientific instrument making workshops in Scotland as illustrated by instruments from the Arthur Frank Collection at the Royal Museum of Scotland. Edinburgh: NMS, 1989. pp 20,23 
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