A limited edition authorized exact reproduction of Russell W. Porter's 1923 telescope, made by The Telescopes of Vermont. In 1923, Vermont artist, Arctic explorer, and amateur astronomer Russell W. Porter created an Art Nouveau style telescope intended to serve as both garden ornament and functional scientific instrument. Cast in bronze, the reflecting telescope was adorned with sculpted lotus petals and curving leaves. The optics were disguised in overlapping bronze leaves, while the motion controls were hidden in a pair of cylindrical flowers. Porter created fewer than 100 of his garden telescopes, according to the Smithsonian, which holds one of these devices in its collection at the National Museum of American History. The rarity of these telescopes was partly due to their cost of around $500, beyond the means of most Jazz Age stargazers. Russell W. Porter's telescope would be a model for the design of the 200 inch Hale telescope in San Diego. Russell Porter was the father of amateur astronomy in the United States, the founder of the Springfield Telescope Makers, an Arctic explorer and navigator, a painter of exquisite Inuit portraits, and an instructor of architecture at MIT. When British astronomer Sir Patrick Moore saw the telescope, he dubbed her “Capella”, after one of the brightest stars, always visible in the Northern hemisphere. To read more about the company The Telescopes of Vermont and its journey to recreate this telescope, please go to: http://gardentelescopes.com/our-story.html. Serial numbered and limited to two hundred, the Garden Telescope is an heirloom imbued with craftsmanship and the cachet of rarity. Four hundred hours of work are lavished on each instrument. A milestone acquisition for the art collector, garden lover, astronomy buff and/or aficionado of fine design and craftsmanship, it will spark conversations and delight those who encounter it. A six inch mirror and eyepieces of 50 and 75 power deliver the moon, Jupiter and its moons, and Saturn with great detail. Currently there are only twenty in the world. The telescope, pedestal and optics case (made by a maker of cases for fine English and Belgian shotguns) comprise the kit. Tech specs: 6" f4 mirror, with 75 and 50 power eyepieces. The Telescope, with its pedestal, is 66" tall, and weighs 110 lbs. This telescope was purchased several years ago for $75,000 and is now selling for upwards of $125,000. Excellent condition. Just in from a CT estate.
Early American cast iron mortar and pestle, 18th to early 19th century. Excellent condition. Measures 8 inches wide x 6 inches high. Visible mold snap line underneath, only seen on early period examples. This item is on display in our gallery at OLD SAYBROOK ANTIQUES CENTER and can be seen by visiting 756 MIDDLESEX AVE, OLD SAYBROOK, CT 06475. Open Daily 10am-4pm. www.OldSaybrookAntiquesCenter.com
Vintage large heavy hand hammered copper stock pot with flat lid. Stamped Made in France, probably by Mauviel. Excellent condition, no dents or repairs. Tin interior excellent. Measures 9.75 inches tall and 9.75 inches wide.
Sennelier set of professional artist's soft pastels. Wooden cased three box set of 455 assorted colors (there were originally 525 - please see detail photos). This set belonged to a professional Old Lyme, CT, artist. The original case with carry handle measures 25.5 x 17.5 x 4.75 inches. This set sells new for $1841.00. The 70 missing colors can be filled in.
Cobalt glass Cherry Laurel Water poison bottle. Dodge and Olcott Co, NY. Put up expressly for Smith, Kline and French, Inc., Philadelphia, PA. Excellent condition with all its original labels. Measures 7.5 inches high.