Cary 3-inch "Royal Geographical Society" Portable Refractor Telescope

Description:

Cary 3-inch "Royal Geographical Society" Portable Refractor Telescope, London, no. 12, the two-piece main tube engraved "Royal Geographical Society No 12/Cary London," finders scope, rack-and-pinion focusing, right-angle lens, cylindrical tapered tripod mount, and three eyepieces, all housed in its original mahogany case.

Note: This instrument was purchased in 1904 for £33. It was lent to Mr. C.N. Temple for use in northern Nigeria being returned in 1907. Its next recorded when it was lent to the British Everest expedition of 1933. This expedition was led by Hugh Ruttledge and included Eric Shipton, Percy Wynn-Harris, Frank Smythe and Lawrence Wager. Wynn-Harris and Wager reached 28,126 feet without oxygen, a record which lasted until 1978. They also found Andrew Irvine's ice axe.
Estimate $2,000-3,000


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords