1853 Presentation Telescope to a Sea Captain! Beautiful nautical style telescope having the following
presentation: "P. W. Hathaway to Capt. S.(?) H. Hudson Bangor Me. July
2nd 1853"
We've done some research and came up with a
possibility. Using the Maritime Heritage Project we located a Captain
Hudson in 1851. His ship was the SS Republic which made voyages
carrying passengers to and from California during the Gold Rush period.
On the manifest for the SS Republic's
arrival in San Francisco in January of 1851 there is listed a Dr. B.W.
Hathoway. Assuming spelling errors (probably on the manifest more than
the telescope)he may be our man. The telescope may have been a present
from Hathaway to Captain Hudson in 1853, perhaps on his return from
California? More research should be done. We could not find any matches in
the minimal US Navy records that we have access to.
The telescope is functional. With the
lens cover extended it measures approximately 37" and is 2 draw. There
is a 1" crease in the top of the middle section. There are no other markings than the
presentation. Probably deserves a good cleaning.
Dated nautical presentation telescopes almost never surface.
Worthy of the best maritime collection.
For many more pictures and details, visit: http://www.maritime-products.com/Maritime-products-for-sale/Telescopes

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