For all you older members of the forum, I came across an old cardboard planisphere which fell out of one of my astronomy books the other day. Esdaile's sold scientific supplies probably through the 1930's till the mid to late 1960's. I recall visiting their stores in Sydney in the 1960's at least and most probably was given the planisphere. Of interest is the fact that the late Ted Lumley designed the planisphere. He was a prominent member of the NSW Astronomical Society whose contribution to the amateur astronomers fraternity was invaluable.
I have attached a couple of scans of the planisphere as a matter of interest. Note the advertising for Polarex telescopes, later changed to Unitron. It must have some effect on me as I have collected these fine scopes over many years. I wonder how many of these planisphere's have survived?
If I remember correctly Esdailes used to sell meteorological equipment as well and, if I've got the right place, I'd pop in and drool over their barographs, hygrometers and thermometers. I never did buy anything from them as quality equipment is and never has been cheap.
Wow, that certainly brings back some memories, I remember going by bus to the Belfields Observatory to the meetings of the ASNSW, I still remember Ted guiding us noobies at the time, I was all of 15 then. Great memories, great man.
