Original Item: One-of-a-kind. Captain R Mitford telescope and prize papers
If you know Captain Jack Aubrey and H.M.S. Surprise of Master and Commander fame, then you know how important taking prizes was in the age of sail. This offering is comprised of an original telescope in magnificent condition and two documents detailing the prize money from Captain Robert Mitfords capture of the American Brig Neptune in 1811. The telescope features four tubes, an eyepiece shutter, and objective cap.
The first handwritten document is a detailed account of the values assessed for the prize. It is from Capt. Mitfords prize agents in Malta, Wilson, Allardyce & Co.
The second document, entitled Receipt for Prize Money . . . , is a record of the disbursement of some the money to four of the crew of Mitfords ship, the H.M.S. Espoir, an 18-gun brig-sloop of the Napoleonic Wars.