Victorian Mahogany and Brass Telescope owned by Cornelius Vanderbilt
Victorian Mahogany and Brass Telescope: A Maritime Legacy
Product reference:
Category: ???
Tag: Science, America, USA, Victorian
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This Victorian-era telescope, crafted from rich mahogany and gleaming brass, once belonged to the celebrated Cornelius Vanderbilt, one of the most influential figures in American history. Lord Charles Palmerston gifted it to Vanderbilt in the early 1860s during one of his visits in the United kingdom.
PRODUCT DETAILS
Years of origin: mid 19th century, Victorian age
Country of origin: UK
Materials: mahogany, brass
Dimensions: maximum length 65cm, lens diameter 4.5cm
Weight: ??
Current conditions: in very good conditions, still functioning. Only some minor signs of normal wear.
ORIGINS AND HISTORY
This exquisite Victorian-era telescope, crafted from rich mahogany and gleaming brass, once belonged to the celebrated Cornelius Vanderbilt, one of the most influential figures in American history. Known for his vast empire in shipping and railroads, Vanderbilt was also an avid collector of fine instruments and artifacts related to navigation and exploration.
In the early 1860s, during a diplomatic visit to the United Kingdom, Vanderbilt was presented with this telescope by Lord Charles Palmerston, a prominent British statesman. The gift was a token of appreciation for Vanderbilt's contributions to international trade and his efforts to strengthen the ties between the United States and the British Empire. The telescope, with its elegant design and superior craftsmanship, became one of Vanderbilt's prized possessions. It was used not only for its practical purposes in maritime navigation but also as a symbol of the illustrious connections and achievements of its owner.
After Vanderbilt's passing in 1877, the telescope remained in his family's possession until it was auctioned in New York in 1930. The auction drew considerable interest, with the telescope eventually being sold to an American businessman, Mr. Charles Davenport, who was an avid collector of maritime antiques. Over the decades, the telescope changed hands several times, remaining in private American collections. Each owner cherished the telescope, recognizing its historical significance and the remarkable stories associated with Cornelius Vanderbilt's illustrious career. In 2015, the telescope was acquired by the current owner, a passionate collector. The acquisition was accompanied by historical documentation, including the original auction records from 1930 and letters from previous owners detailing the telescope's provenance. Together with the telescope, the current owner will provide:
original auction records from 1930;
letters from previous owners detailing the telescope's history and ownership (letters of provenance);
historical photographs of the telescope in its previous collections.
COLLECTOR’S REMARKS
This is a truly remarkable artifact: a Victorian-era mahogany and brass telescope that once belonged to the illustrious Cornelius Vanderbilt. This telescope is not merely an instrument of navigation but a tangible connection to the heroic and adventurous spirit of the 19th-century maritime industry.
Owning this telescope offers a unique opportunity to hold in your hands a piece of maritime history, a tool that guided Vanderbilt on his daring ventures and life-changing missions. The elegant design and fine craftsmanship of the telescope, combined with its storied past, make it a coveted item for any serious collector.
The telescope's journey from Vanderbilt's hands to its auction in New York in 1930, and its subsequent passage through private American collections until its acquisition in 2015, adds to its rich historical tapestry. The accompanying documentation provides a detailed provenance, ensuring the authenticity and significance of this exceptional piece.
FURTHER DETAILS
Il collezionista sottolinea che ogni oggetto in vendita è stato selezionato per il suo valore storico e collezionistico, questi articoli rappresentano testimonianze della nostra storia che possono contribuire alla comprensione del passato e alla riflessione su eventi significativi. Il collezionista è a completa disposizione per fornire ulteriori dettagli e informazioni riguardo all'oggetto, incluse le specifiche tecniche e la provenienza. L'oggetto è stato conservato con la massima cura per mantenere il miglior stato possibile e verrà spedito con estrema attenzione per preservarne l’integrità, utilizzando imballaggi adeguati per proteggere i prodotti. Tutti i certificati e le autentiche accumulati nel tempo, necessari per attestare la storia, l’autenticità e la veridicità del prodotto, saranno resi disponibili in formato digitale per chi manifesta un interesse serio e fondato e saranno poi venduti in originale insieme all'oggetto in originale.
