Original items: One of a kind set. From the big Optical purchase IMA made at the end of 2017, this is a particularly interesting lot: an officer’s Commission, along with the telescope he carried. This is from just after the end of the Victorian era in the early 20th century.
The telescope is a great example of a classic Officer’s FOUR draw brass telescope with a wood barrel, measuring 35 1/2″ when fully opened and just 10″ when closed. The optics are still clear and the telescope is functional. The end bushing on 3rd draw is cracked off, but it does not impair functionality, and it is still present.
The smallest barrel nearest the eye piece is engraved :-
Lt. A. C. M. Brabazon.
The eyepiece has a sliding cover for the lens, and is marked LEVASSEUR Op’tien Fabt Rouen, indicating this is French Telescope, made by Levasseur in Rouen, the foremost city in Normancy, France.
The Commission signed in the top left corner by Edward R. & I., short for King Edward the Seventh, King and Imperator ( Latin for Emperor ) favoring :
Archibald Charles Montagu Brabazon, Esquire
commonly called Viscount Acheson
The document is dated December 24th 1902 naming Acheson as a Lieutenant in the Land Forces. Commission comes complete with the Official seal on blued paper and the appropriate One Pound Ten Shilling Tax Stamp in the lower right hand corner.
An offering from Great Britain’s upper crust, ready for some interest research, ready to display.