Rare Civil War Period Twin Telescope Field Glasses

Rare Civil War Period Twin Telescope Field Glasses – This is the first of this type of war period field glasses we have had; one of the noted images of Gen. George B. McClellan shows him holding a pair of field glasses like these. Likely of French manufacture, these field glasses are referred to as aprismatic, Keplerian types, also called “twin telescope” field glasses. Each side is in 3 sections, with small diameter eyepiece ocular lenses attached to  elongated brass telescopic tubes covered with dark brown, pebble-grained leather sheaths, with larger objective lenses at the ends of each telescopic tube; each terminal sections of the objective lens tube areas have extendable sunshades. The upper sections of the tubes are joined by two, black lacquered, brass rectangular bars, with the central open portion having a double wheel device for focusing; also in the open portion, is a thermoplastic disk for adjusting the distance of separation between the two telescopes. The optical focal device needs some work as it does not appear to be moving the objective lenses; we will attempt to get this issue resolved for the buyer. The image of General George B. McClellan posing with this type of field glass, are glasses that he likely acquired in the 1850s when he was sent to observe European armies. These glasses remain in overall good condition, with some separation of the leather coverings of one of the telescopic tubes and sunshades.

Measurements: L (with sunshades extended) – 10.5”; L (sunshades retracted) – 8.75”