Description

.Three draw telescope Robert Bancks London 1795-1805 with its original storage box
The telescope signed Bancs 440 Strand London , has a fine sharp sight
Dimensions retracted 14cm extended 38cm
Price includes good packaging and registered shipping,with track and trace

Brian Stevenson on his work on Robert Bancks says:

Robert Bancks (also written “Banks”) was a well-regarded manufacturer of microscopes and other optical and scientific instruments. He was designated Mathematical, Optical, and Philosophical Instrument Maker to George, the son of King George III, who was Prince of Wales (until 1811), Prince Regent (1811-1820), then King George IV (1820-1830), and also his successor, KIng William IV. Among Bancks other renowned customers were Charles Darwin (who took a Bancks microscope on his Beagle trip) and Robert Brown (who described “Brownian” motion).

Bancks is reported to have begun his shop at 440 Strand, London, in about 1795. In 1805, he moved to 441 Strand. His eldest son, also named Robert, joined as a partner during the mid- to late-1820s, forming Bancks and Son. In 1829, they moved to 119 New Bond Street. The son died there in November, 1830. The elder Bancks continued at that location, retaining the name of Bancks and Son. He evidently retired in 1834-35, and moved to a house in Knightsbridge.