Hi Andrew & All,
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kal
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As I noted in an earlier post above, it is very similar and assuming the "Circa 1780" date is correct is likely older. The one at the PHM (Sydney Observatory) is shown better at this link:
http://www.sydneyobservatory.com.au/...thor=4&paged=3
about 1/5th the way down the page.
The one we have is of slightly larger aperture (just over 3") and probably longer focal length (the tube is a little longer) but is otherwise of identical design and by the same manufacturer.
This one
might be a significant telescope -- it's hard to tell. I have alerted Nick Lomb (my boss at Sydney Observatory) as it may be of interest to the PHM and it would be a good thing to investigate whether it may or may not have a "colourful" history. A history or lack of it could affect its value considerably and as you say, it is difficult to put a value on. On face value, given the blurb, the seller has little idea about telescopes so ...
As noted above, the example we have at Sydney Observatory was purchased at Sotherby's in 2002 and I pretty sure we paid somewhat more than the starting price for this example.
That said, the one we have is in better condition, has a secondary and is capable of functioning as a telescope (I haven't looked thorugh it though).
Hope that clears it up.
Bid or refrain from bidding at your own discretion/risk!
Best,
Les D