Adams's New Patent Portable Telescope

This achromatic telescope has a barrel covered in dyed rayskin (shagreen, now split) and ten brass draw tubes. The brass fittings include an objective lens cap. The original mahogany box also survives and contains three additional eyepieces of different magnifying powers.

An inscription on the smallest draw tube reads: 'ADAMS'S / New Patent Portable Telescope / No. 60 Fleet Strt. LONDON'. This refers to a patent obtained on 30 May 1800 by Dudley Adams (1762-1830), one of the leading London instrument makers at this time. Adams's patent included a new form of spring fitted inside the draw tubes to keep them steady when drawn out. This allowed more draw tubes to be used, reducing the overall length of the telescope when closed.

Object Details

ID: NAV1608
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Portable telescope
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Adams, George; Adams, Dudley
Date made: circa 1800; circa 1790
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: Overall: 225 mm; Diameter: 63 mm
Parts: Adams's New Patent Portable Telescope
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