Lot 830
Bardou & Son Four-Draw Brass Telescope. During the 1850s, Captain A.J. Myer of the U.S. Army was responsible for the dramatic increase in the use of optical devices to observe military signal flag communication. Improved optics such as binoculars and telescopes made it possible to read signals at great distances, thus improving communications on both sides during the Civil War. The US government purchased heavy duty telescopes from the French maker D.F. Bardou and Son. This example a four -draw brass telescope with a 2" objective lens and yields a 30X power magnification. The two largest tubes encased with leather coverings. The rear ocular is equipped with a sliding brass dust cover. Weight is approximately 3 pounds, measures 10¼" when compacted and almost 30" in length when fully extended. Top tube engraved " Bardou & Son / Paris" with "Trademark" of "caduceus" and letters "G" and "B" on either side, below " Signal Service U.S. Army". Overall in fine condition but likely missing from deterioration the leather wrap around first section.
Estimated Value $400 - 600.
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| Realized $246 |
