Here's one for the restorers

[pmrid]

Spotted this gem on ebay - it looks like a terrific restoration project for someone with the skills.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Hand-made-telescope-/191525078150?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276

Peter

[Kunama]

That is very tempting Peter......

Somebody, (MattT ???) please buy this so I don't have to .......... I just haven't got the room for it ............... or do I ?????

Might have to take a trip to Melbourne ….

[MattT]

I have run out of cash for now…might see if I can have a look at the real thing. The mount looks interesting, not so sure about the scope from the pics.

Any one down Mornington way know anything?

[Kunama]

Sent you a reply Matt :thumbsup:

[dannat]

i wouldnt mind having a look myself -the tube doesn't look very refractorish

[pmrid]

If I lived down that way, I'd be on it like a seagull on a chip.
It looks to be well engineered. It would be an achromat and, I gather, an 8" objective at that. Judging by OTA size it looks to be about an F8-10 or so. And it has a Schmidt camera ( or similar) to boot. It must have a story to go with it, surely.
Anyone know it's history?
Peter

[Kunama]

The camera would only be a shelf curiosity these days and is a an aerial reconn camera fitted with a Wray of London 36" F6.3 lens weighing in at 8.5Kg. It is a 5.5" F6.3 lens and for you imaging types it can provide a relatively large image area of more that 300x360mm !!!
Lenses made for the DOD in 1940.

Someone needs to give me an excuse not to buy this ......

[MattT]

I have contacted the seller and Friday 13th is the day I'm having a look, unless sold before. Seems a bit strange to put it up for sale and then go away...

[torana68]

I have the feeling that he's come cross it somewhere and is hoping for a quick profit, It does look sorta interesting but maybe at 500 not 1500. Hard to tell without a good look

[pmrid]

I see the eBay listing ends today (8th March).
Peter

[MattT]

And now it's re-listed ending 15th March. Still going down to have a good look, can't tell from the photo's.

[torana68]

How did the viewing go?

[Kunama]

Received a message from the seller, he is pretty keen on getting his price, it is missing components, out of my league at $1500 ........ I am a poor old pensioner after all .........
Spoke to MattT today, he is not going down there at this stage.

[torana68]

funny, he knows exactly what its worth yet has no idea what it is.....:shrug:

[Merlin66]

Hmmmm
From what he has replied to my email - I think it has been sold.

[Kunama]

I made him an offer too good to refuse ........





but seems someone beat me to it then....... at least my son will be pleased, he can keep his motorbike in the garage for the winter !!!!

[MattT]

OK…..Who bought it??? Any one want to own up….

Bought after auction….well actually no longer for sale was the txt I got from the seller.

[Kunama]

Hey Matt,
Brendan sent me a message to say he has decided to keep it in the family. Had quite a few enquiries but under asking price.
Cheers
Matt

[torana68]

better idea than trying to flog it off :)