A RARE 18th-CENTURY 1¼IN. THREE-DRAW BRASS AND SHAGREEN REFRACTING "SUBSCRIPTION" TELESCOPE BY WILLIAM STORER, LONDON
with shagreen-covered main tube, lens cap and dust-slide to eye-piece, finely engraved on tube with the Royal Arms and inscribed underneath The Subscription Telescope / by the King's Patent / Sero sed Serio / Warranted to be adjusted by Wm. Storer, / & delivered to the Subscribers / at Chas. Lincoln's, / No.62 Leadenhall Street, / London, rack-and-pinion focus, further engraved on lower stage * Storer, Professor of Optics to His Majesty No.8 -- 7¾in. (19.6cm.) closed

William Storer worked in London (off Leicester Fields, now Leicester Square) between 1778-1789 but was bankrupted in 1784. These telescopes are discussed in the article reference below. The numbering seems to have been rather opaque and, despite the highest number (188) being sold in these rooms in April 2010, the present lot, the lowest number to date, brings the total known to just six examples, suggesting that Storer used random numbers to disguise low sales. That Sero sed Serio (Late, but in earnest) was included in the inscriptions is telling.

Literature: De Clercq, Dr. P: Bulletin 98, (pp37-8) September 2008, Scientific Instrument Society.

Condition Report
Missing rack-and-pinion focus wheel; brass lacquer worn overall; optics in good condition. No evidence of cleaning or restoration.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.