This leather cased Davon Patent telescope by F. Davidson is engraved 1st Cambridgeshire Regiment. The 1sts were a Rifle Volunteer Regiment consolidated in 1880 from several other regiments. Their name changed in 1887 to the 3rd Cambridgeshire Volunteer Battalion. The fact that the Regiment’s name is engraved but there is no broad arrow mark suggests that it was privately purchased for the regiment, which might fit in with their Volunteer status. The brass telescope is sheaved in pigskin and has a tripod stand but also a fitting to allow it to be screwed to a tree trunk etc. It has two lenses and rack and pinion focusing the wheel of which engraved F. Davidson & Co. London W. Patent No 13251-12. Given that the 1st Cambridgeshires were a rifle regiment it is probable that this was a spotter’s telescope. Antique period is circa 1885.
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