Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This is the central mounting assembly for a Springfield-style Newtonian telescope, commonly referred to as an equatorial head. The manufacturer is unknown, but the design is a faithful rendition of Russell W. Porter’s design and instruments made on that design by John Pierce in the 1930s. Steve Smith, the donor, reported that his uncle, Harvey L. Walsh, found this telescope on a Virginia farm during a trip. He does not know when this happened or where the farm was. Walsh purchased the telescope and then restored it. Smith does not know if it was ever operational, but an inspection reveals that it is complete and should be operational. The Springfield Newtonian telescope represents how one of the nation’s most respected telescope designers (Russell W. Porter) suggested that telescopes be built to accommodate observers with physical limitations, or observers who wished to observe in comfort.

Steve Smith donated this to the Museum in 2003.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type INSTRUMENTS-Scientific Dimensions 3-D: 78.7 x 40.6 x 43.2cm (31 x 16 x 17 in.)
Storage (Rehoused on aluminum pallet with 5 other objects): 213.4 × 152.4 × 89.5cm, 137.9kg (84 × 60 × 35 1/4 in., 304lb.)
 Materials Steel, Paint, Aluminum, Brass, Plastic
 Inventory Number A20050388002 Credit Line Gift of S. Smith Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.