Galilean telescope, 1661, one of the oldest dated telescopes in Britain
Image information
Sizing information
| Overall size (inc frame) | x cm ( x in) |
| Depth | cm (in) |
| Artwork | x cm ( x in) |
| Border (mount) |
cm
top/bottom
(in)
cm left/right (in) |
| The paper size of our wall art shipped from the US is sized to the nearest inch. | |
Galilean telescope, 1661, one of the oldest dated telescopes in Britain
This Galilean telescope has the name 'IACOB CUNIGHAM' and the date '1661' stamped onto the objective lens cap, making it one of the oldest dated telescopes in Britain.
The two draw tubes are made of wood covered in marbled vellum, while the barrel and lens caps are made of wood covered in red leather with gold-tooled decoration. The eyepiece tube also has three gold-tooled stop lines identified by the German words 'NAHE', 'WEITH' and 'OVERSICHTIG'. These indicate different focusing lengths and suggest that the telescope was probably made in Germany. Jacob Cunigham may have been either the maker or the original owner of the telescope. The larger draw tube also has a single gold-tooled stop line.
The curious shape of the barrel is designed to accommodate a large objective glass. At this time it was easier to grind a large lens than a small one. Brass diaphragms over the end of each lens have been used to reduce their apertures.
Jacob Cunigham
- Image reference: F8641-002
- National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Gabb Collection
Discover more
More by this artist
Search for similar images
Product images of Galilean telescope, 1661, one of the oldest dated telescopes in Britain
Our framed prints
Every framed picture is created by hand in our workshop by specialist framers.
Black, white, brown, silver, gold or natural frames available, supplied ready to hang.
All our frames have a smooth satin finish, and measure 20mm (front face) by 23mm (depth from wall).
Read more about our framed art prints.
Manufactured in the UK
All products are printed in the UK, using the latest digital presses and a giclée printmaking process.
We only use premium branded inks, and colours are independently verified to last between 100 and 200 years.
Delivery & returns
We print everything to order so delivery times may vary but all framed pictures are despatched within 5-7 days via courier or recorded mail.
Due to the coronovirus pandemic and Brexit situation, current shipping times may be longer, particularly for destinations outside the UK.
Delivery to the UK is £10 for a single framed print.
We will happily replace your order if everything isn’t 100% perfect.
