Telescope by Robert-Aglae Cauchoix
M.S. Rau Antiques, the country’s oldest antiques and fine arts dealer which has been operating from the same address for 99 years on Royal Street in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans, offers a 1820 French Telescope created by optician Robert-Aglae Cauchoix. Whether for spying or stargazing, this extraordinary 6 foot tall telescope is one of three of the largest telescopes from the 19th century. All made by master telescope maker Cauchoix, one of his telescopes was actually used to trace the path of Halley’s comet.
Made to view both the earth and sky, this magnificent instrument features a hand-ground lens that measures an impressive 7.5″ diameter, over two times as large as a normal scope of the period. Crafted of brass, it rests upon a catapult base, which allows the lens to slide from side to side and to raise from less than 90 degrees to approximately 175 degrees. This base also allows for ease of movement and transport, and has a mechanism to stake itself into the ground.
Priced at $248,500 the telescope comes along with its complete box of extra lenses and lens covers. [M.S. Rau Antiques]
