It would appear that carpet sellers were also interested in astronomy. In 1865 Thomas Carter of Carter and Mercer, carpet dealers of Ripon in Yorkshire purchased a 2.5 inch telescope plus 3 astronomical eyepieces together with a pancratic terrestrial eye piece and a sun cap.
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In Liverpool between 1851 and 1890 the optical company of Abraham & Co traded on Lord Street, Liverpool. In 1864 they ordered from Thomas Cooke & Sons a plain equatorial mounting on a tripod stand. This was for a 4.5 inch telescope.
As an instrument maker I don’t know why they could not
provide a stand for this instrument, unless perhaps the buyer had asked for a
Cooke mount.
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Join me, Martin Lunn MBE tonight and every Monday evening from 7.00 pm-9.00 pm on the Astronomy Show on Drystone Radio, probably the only regular astronomy show on any radio station in the country.
I will take my weekly look at the night sky and look at all
the latest news in astronomy. There will be the astronomical anniversaries this
week plus the latest news from the astronomical societies in the north of
England.
The Astronomy Show every Monday evening only on Drystone Radio live online at www.drystoneradio.com DAB radio in Bradford and East Lancashire, or 102 and 103.5 FM and can also be heard later on the Drystone Radio Podcast.
In 1866 the optical instrument makers of Charles Baker 244 High Holburn, London ordered from Thomas Cooke & Sons a Barlow lens of power either 300 or 350. Also purchased was an astronomical eyepiece, unfortunately I do not know the power.
The firm of Charles Barker had been formed in 1765 at the
above address and they sold optical and surgical equipment. In the mid 1850s they were also selling not
only telescopes but also microscopes and
accessories.
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In 1865 George Mansfield Browne of Liverpool purchased a 3.25-inch equatorial for £125 that is just over £20,000 in today's prices from Thomas Cooke & Sons.
As you can see astronomy and buying telescopes were very
much aimed at people who were well off. He also purchased a Terrestrial
eyepiece for £1 15s 0d.
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The Full Moon in January which is on the 13th this year is known as the Wolf Moon, as in ancient times, hungry wolves were heard howling more often at this time of year.
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In South Yorkshire, Jonathan Booth of Moorgate, Rotherham purchased a 4 inch educational telescope on a mounting with latitude adjustment. This telescope was purchased from Thomas Cooke & Sons in 1865.
As is often the case I unfortunately have no other
information on Jonathan Booth.
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