Flea-glass telescope

This instrument unscrews into a number of parts which can be assembled into different optical instruments. It can be used as a telescope, but when the barrel is unscrewed a simple microscope, or flea-glass, is also revealed. Using this, a specimen stuck on a pin (now missing) can be viewed through a small lens. The other accessories include a sundial. This type of multi-purpose object was common around 1700.

Object Details

ID: NAV1663
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Flea-glass telescope
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Date made: circa 1750
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: Overall: 155 mm; Diameter: 35 mm
Parts: Flea-glass telescope
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