The great refractor by Thomas Cooke and Sons oy York, which was shown at the International Exhibition of 1871 was sold by auction by Messrs Stevens of King Street, Covent Garden for about £750 (in 2026 that would be around £114,000).
The instrument which had every modern appliance, and was one of the most complete ever turned out by the celebrated instrument makers was of 10 inches clear aperture and was originally priced at £1,200 (in 2026 that would be around 191,000) , but owing to the rise in wages and materials would now be charged much more. The purchaser was Mr Henley, the telegraph engineer.
William Thomas Henley was a submarine cable maker in
Greenwich. He set up the Persian Gulf Cable which was 1,651 miles long. The
success of which allowed him to gain many more contracts.
www.theramblingastronomer.co.uk
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