Telescope Finder, Springfield Newtonian

This is a small brass refracting telescope that had been used as a "finder" telescope mounted parallel to the tube of a Springfield Newtonian. The Springfield style of Newtonian reflector was first suggested by the artist and amateur astronomer Russell W. Porter in the early 20th century. Its chief characteristic is that it offers the viewer a stable eyepiece, greatly facilitating tedious observation. Numerous versions of this style were made, partly under Porter's guidance and most independently by amateurs worldwide. The manufacturer of this example is unknown, but the design is a faithful rendition of 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. The finder telescope was acquired in 2003 along with the Springfield, but it is not known if it is original to the suite.