PRESENTATION GALL & LEMBKE BRASS TWO-DRAW FLOOR-STANDING TELESCOPE WITH CRANK- Up TRIPOD
Engraved on side of tube "Presented to R.A.C. Smith Esq. By His Guests on the 'Privateer' Trip to Jamestown April 26-30, 1907". Retains brass lens cap. Marked "Gall & Lembke New York" on the back plate and signed Bardou & Son Paris on the draw tube.. Original hardwood tripod with brass swivel mount and central brass post that adjusts telescope height via a brass and wood hand crank. (I- 0988)
Height 58.5". Length closed 52.75".
Condition: The telescope is in excellent condition and has a mellow patina. The telescope focuses and brings up a sharp image with about 50 power. The Height adjustable tripod raises and lowerers by turning the and metal crank on the top of the stretcher and it is in good working order. Telescope has been professionally polished and the wood has been waxed.
Reference: LLoyd's Register of American Yachts for the Year: 1910 page 206. The "Privateer" was a Screw Steamer that was 176 feet in length. She was built by Gardner and Cox at the Crescent Ship Yard in Elizabeth New Jersey. She was owned by R.A.C. Smith. PG. 442 - Smith was located at 100 Broadway New York.
Note: Robert Alexander Conrad Smith was born in Dover, England on February 22, 1857. He moved with his family to Spain, where he spent the next twelve years of his life, until 1869.[5] He returned to England for his education. Three years after his return to England, he made a trip to the United States.[5] He began work on construction of railroads in Cuba, prior to the Spanish–American War. He also operated the gas and electric lighting system of Havana. He consolidated smaller companies into a single corporation. He also built the waterworks for Havana.[5]
After moving to the United States he became Commissioner of Docks and Ferries in New York City succeeding Calvin Tomkins.[4]. Smith was a member of the NYYC.
Dimensions" Height 58.5". Length closed 52.75".
