Telescope, portable reflector telescope

The London instrument trade flourished in this period owing to the growing popularity of science and the study of the natural world. Public lectures were held in coffee houses and theatres. London instrument manufacturers enjoyed an international reputation for both innovation and precision workmanship. Their telescopes were to be found in the most prestigious European observatories. Astronomers used telescopes to study and map the planets and the stars. Instrument manufacturing was also stimulated by Britain's economic growth and its colonial expansion. Telescopes and other instruments were used on sea voyages for navigation.

This portable brass reflector telescope, or Gregorian telescope, was manufactured by James Short, a renowned Scottish instrument maker. Short moved to London from Edinburgh in 1738 and established a workshop off the Strand. Short became the leading maker of his day producing around 1370 telescopes. His client base extended to continental Europe and included Ferdinand VI of Spain. He also supplied instruments to the Royal Society of which he was an active member. Short was also a founder member of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce in 1754. Among his friends were his fellow instrument maker John Dollond, the clockmaker John Harrison and the philosopher David Hume.

The telescope can be pivoted on its brass stand which is also detachable. The telescope and its parts can be carried in the box. The end of the barrel is marked with the equation '186/1333 = 7', which records the model, serial number and focal length. This was probably a mistake by Short's engraver as the correct number should be '189/1333 = 7'.