Original British WWI Five-Draw Brass Field Telescope Named to Officer KIA in 1916 – by Broadhurst Clarkson Original Items

Original Item: Only of a Kind. This is another named Officer’s telescope from the fabulous Optics Collection IMA secured earlier in 2018, which have now all arrived in New Jersey. It is a MASSIVE five draw example, made of brass and has a brown leather covering and sun shade. It extends to about 44 inches overall, including the sun shade to front, and collapses to just 11 1/2 inches overall closed. The image it gives is just fine and it has been stored carefully for many years, so the condition is very nice. The only issue is that the carry strap is missing. The two loops for the strap are fully intact.

This telescope was retailed by H. SALANSON & CO. LTD in BRISTOL & CARDIFF, as marked on the second to last barrel. It is also marked with the original manufacturers information as well:

BROADHURST CLARKSON & CO LTD
63 FARRINGDON ROAD
LONDON E.C

Broadhurst, Clarkson & Co. was originally founded in 1844 by Robert Mills, and was eventually sold to Alexander Thomas Clarkson around 1873. In 1909, Robert Henry Broadhurst joined the partnership, and the company was renamed. It continues today as Broadhurst, Clarkson and Fuller.

The rearmost barrel is graduated with the various magnification factors that the telescope was capable of (marked 30/40/50/60), which could help determine range. The second barrel carries the engraved name of the original WW1 owner:-

2nd. Lt. C. R. Ronaldson. 
23d Bat.n. Royal FUS.s.

We know that 2nd Lieutenant Charles R. Ronaldson was a member of the 23rd Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) during WWI. Records show that he was killed in action on the 9th of March 1916, about half way through the war. We were not able to find much further information on him, making this a great research opportunity.

This is really some British Military Telescope of note, ready to display or use!