Anyone interested in antiques/old collectables?

[Paulington]

Just wondering as I have an antique telescope we bought in 2000 or so for a bit of money, I am not looking to sell it I am just looking to value it because if it's worth anything decent I'll put it in a safe shipping container in our yard instead of just hanging around the house, that way it is safer and won't get dinged/nicked etc.

Some pictures:

https://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w182/OllieePaul/Telescope1-1.jpg.

https://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w182/OllieePaul/Telescope2.jpg.

I have tried searching a lot but I am having issues as I cannot find any other identifying markers on it other than those pictured near the eyepiece, from what I can gather it is 19th century but I can't really find any more information.

I am hoping that someone here may know something or have some relevant information/know something that may help me on here! I don't want it sold really I just want to know if it's worth anything nowadays!

I do have all the parts too, but the box is a bit broken, fixable though, I believe the box may be mahogany?

Cheers guys!
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[Carvel]

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[Shaft]

W Watson & Sons were a very well known maker of optical instruments and, IIRC, your instrument is pre 1908, after that and they became limited.

I wouldn't be sure what it's worth, but they key points to value are level of magnification, originality and completeness.

If it's got scratched or damaged lenses, this drops the value considerably, even though they can be replaced; you also need to make sure it can be properly focussed, if not, it will need setting up by an expert.

The box is a good thing, if it's the original.
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[BumpingUglys]

Why not put in on a shelf or somewhere safe where you can enjoy looking at it? Too nice to put in a crate in the yard(?!)

Watson & Sons made high quality optics, I have one of their 1930s light microscopes, and the image quality is comparable to some of the Leica ones we use in the lab today.

[Handsome]

The Wm. Watson company was founded in 1837 in London.

In the 1840s, The firm sold lanterns, slides and associated equipment.

In 1868 the firms name was changed to W. Watson & Son and they were located at 313 High Holborn, London. They continued at this address well into the 1940s.

In the late 1870s the firm began adding photographic equipment and quickly became one of the country's leading manufacturers of the Highest Class Photographic Instruments and Apparatus.

On 9 January, 1881 William Watson died.

In 1883 the firms name was changed to W. Watson & Sons for the Williams son, Charles Henry Watson joining business. In an 1883 kelly's business directory, it lists both Charles Henry Watson and Henry Watson associated with Watson & sons located at 23 Walton St, Aylesbury.

In the 1890s the business continued to grow and they advertised factories for instruments, Optical glass and cabinet work at Fullwood Rents W.C. and the warehouse and show room remaining at the 313 High Holborn.

In 1900 W. Watson & sons purchased the John Browning & Co.

In 1908 the firm became W. Watson & Sons Ltd.

In 1948 the business dissolved

https://www.savonabooks.free-online.co.uk/watson/oinos.htm

https://www.boop.co.uk/Antiques/Buy_&_Sell_Antiques_Vintage_very_old_telescope_made_by_s_1000075180.htm

https://blissantiques.com/photo_6075401.html

https://www.icollector.com/A-late-19th-century-W-Watson-Sons-lacquered-brass-education-telescope-in-fitted-mahogany-cas_i1148770

Search for Watson & Son Telescope 19th Century as it brings up a fair bit of information and prices for various types, one of them may be yours or at least give you a guide...
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