philjay Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 Some may know that I dabble in antiques and at a recent fair I came across this novel device. Dating from anywhere between late 19th century to 1930s (very difficult to date some old astro stuff sometimes) this is a novel device a combined star diagonal and sun diagonal. I immediately zeroed in on it as it was lacquered brass but the hole in the back and the window in the side saying star gave me indications that it was one of these. The eyepiece collar with RAS thread is missing and the prism inside is a little chipped but for £6 I couldn't resist. I reckon its useable as a star diagonal because the chip in the prism is on the edge only. I doubt I shall be using the sun facility from a safety point of view but when sorted it will make a nice addition to my antique scopes accessory box. Here it is in star mode with Star showing through the window To swap one takes a small screw out of the front and removes the front RAS to withdraw the barrel then you turn the barrel round and refit in the body and refit the screw. The window displays SUN then when in Sun mode Clever these Victorians you know? We sometimes are guilty of thinking that we invented gadgets but they had a gadget for everything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Graham Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 what a beautiful bit of kit. Those oldies certainly knew how to make stuff properly. If that was modern it would be a cheap lump of molded plastic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catman161 Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 Thats really cool. TFS Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuckstar Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 nice little addition there Phil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philjay Posted February 7, 2014 Author Share Posted February 7, 2014 Cheers chaps, im always on the lokout for old astro stuff, the same guy had a couple of very large newt flats which i was tempted by but they had severe chipping and pitting. Its not very often you come across astro stuff at these fairs and especially at reasonable prices Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweedledee Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 That is very unusual, never knew such a gadget existed. I'm old enough to remember using RAS threaded Ramsdens, Orthos and barlows made of brass Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teslar Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 Nice find Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cazz Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 Very interesting, I also never knew such things existed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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