William Scott's - John Browning Eyepieces - San Francisco, Ca, USA
Acquisition
Haunting antique shops was an integral part of week-end life for our family in semi-rural Canada, a habit pursued occasionally
while studying in California. In both places, I was continually impressed with the sheer volume of collectibles that had been
shipped 'across the pond' from the old country for purchase, often wondering if Britain had been stripped bare in the process.
As an aging bachelor, my target invariably was the mismatched / solo china teacup, nothing more.
In 1987 (?) a local shop was making way for new bookstore complex, & not only were cups & saucers on the block,
but this unpolished brass vision perched on the most elegant mahogany tripod every seen, 'had to go', as part of a consignment.
(Antique shops in this area service several wealthy surrounding neighbourhoods).
And so it did, (go), home with me.
Without a shred of paperwork, this constitutes my belief that the telescope was procured, handled, & acquired in a legitimate manner prior to that day;-
just one of many 'decorator' items shipped to the new world to stand guard in a dark corner of some faux mansion's conserv- not an observ-atory.
From the clerks who described it / to the look of the box's contents, it had an air of "what do we do with this thing?" about it.
Suspicion is there are very few miles on this vehicle. (e.g. no evidence of polishing, oxidation, thank goodness).
Not till the telescope technician raised the lid & his eyebrows in tandem saying "Hmm... you've got something, here".... did we have a clue.
He immediately pledged not to do anything to the original device in installing the viewer, & as far as I can tell, was true to his word.
All the requisite original components are accounted for.
Status
After twenty years, you can tell that we're not in a hurry to figure out what to do with it. Architecturally inclined, I always thought it would stand
in an purpose-built alcove, with it's own view of the stars, an outsized object in a modest mountain cabin, with clear skies above, a personal shrine to science.
Now anchored in the Bay area, so much for that.
Notice there's been no mention of appraisals nor valuation; -
I just figured that it was an elegant 'rainy day' investment, that could be appreciated as it appreciated along the way.
But if there's historical (not monetary) value in circulating it's presence, we should oblige.
William Scott
San Francisco, Ca, USA
Editors Note: The companion telescope that partners the John Browning eyepieces is a J. Lancaster and Son of Birmingham, in excellent condition in the William Scott collection, in San Francisco, Ca. USA 2009
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