29th Apr, 2009 12:00
Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art ('Popham)
55
[M] THE HON. CAPT. FREDERICK MAITLAND'S...
THE HON. CAPT. FREDERICK MAITLAND'S TELESCOPE
the 1½in. single draw tapering wooden tube with vestiges of original painted finish, signed by the eyepiece Troughton LONDON Honble Captn. Maitland (optics defective) -- 25½ / 34½in. (65 / 87.5cm.) closed/open
Sir Frederick Lewis Maitland (1777-1839) enjoyed a lively naval career with numerous acts of gallantry and daring do recorded to his credit. However, it was Maitland's fate to be located at the right place and to act with the typical independence of thought that characterised many of Britain's greater heroes that brought his fame to its zenith. By 1815 he was in command of the Bellerophon (74) and blockading Rochefort in the aftermath of Waterloo. Receiving intelligence that Bonaparte would attempt to escape to America from there, he sent a small boat, in the belief that Bonaparte would in fact use Rochefort. Maitland's commanding officer, Admiral Hotham, left standing orders that should he intercept Bonaparte; he was to be taken directly to England. Maitland's hunch proved correct and after four days of negotiations between the 10th and 14th July, Bonaparte and his entourage embarked for the nine day crossing to Torbay. It took a further nineteen days for the Government to decide what to do with him and he was transferred to the Northumberland. Maitland's account of Napoleon's time aboard Bellerophon was published in 1826. Maitland was appointed Captain in 1801, rank he held until made a Rear Admiral of the Blue in retirement in 1830, it is therefore highly likely this telescope was with him aboard Bellerophon during this historic period of his career.
the 1½in. single draw tapering wooden tube with vestiges of original painted finish, signed by the eyepiece Troughton LONDON Honble Captn. Maitland (optics defective) -- 25½ / 34½in. (65 / 87.5cm.) closed/open
Sir Frederick Lewis Maitland (1777-1839) enjoyed a lively naval career with numerous acts of gallantry and daring do recorded to his credit. However, it was Maitland's fate to be located at the right place and to act with the typical independence of thought that characterised many of Britain's greater heroes that brought his fame to its zenith. By 1815 he was in command of the Bellerophon (74) and blockading Rochefort in the aftermath of Waterloo. Receiving intelligence that Bonaparte would attempt to escape to America from there, he sent a small boat, in the belief that Bonaparte would in fact use Rochefort. Maitland's commanding officer, Admiral Hotham, left standing orders that should he intercept Bonaparte; he was to be taken directly to England. Maitland's hunch proved correct and after four days of negotiations between the 10th and 14th July, Bonaparte and his entourage embarked for the nine day crossing to Torbay. It took a further nineteen days for the Government to decide what to do with him and he was transferred to the Northumberland. Maitland's account of Napoleon's time aboard Bellerophon was published in 1826. Maitland was appointed Captain in 1801, rank he held until made a Rear Admiral of the Blue in retirement in 1830, it is therefore highly likely this telescope was with him aboard Bellerophon during this historic period of his career.
Sold for £744
Estimated at £500 - £800
(inc. buyer's premium of 24%)
THE HON. CAPT. FREDERICK MAITLAND'S TELESCOPE
the 1½in. single draw tapering wooden tube with vestiges of original painted finish, signed by the eyepiece Troughton LONDON Honble Captn. Maitland (optics defective) -- 25½ / 34½in. (65 / 87.5cm.) closed/open
Sir Frederick Lewis Maitland (1777-1839) enjoyed a lively naval career with numerous acts of gallantry and daring do recorded to his credit. However, it was Maitland's fate to be located at the right place and to act with the typical independence of thought that characterised many of Britain's greater heroes that brought his fame to its zenith. By 1815 he was in command of the Bellerophon (74) and blockading Rochefort in the aftermath of Waterloo. Receiving intelligence that Bonaparte would attempt to escape to America from there, he sent a small boat, in the belief that Bonaparte would in fact use Rochefort. Maitland's commanding officer, Admiral Hotham, left standing orders that should he intercept Bonaparte; he was to be taken directly to England. Maitland's hunch proved correct and after four days of negotiations between the 10th and 14th July, Bonaparte and his entourage embarked for the nine day crossing to Torbay. It took a further nineteen days for the Government to decide what to do with him and he was transferred to the Northumberland. Maitland's account of Napoleon's time aboard Bellerophon was published in 1826. Maitland was appointed Captain in 1801, rank he held until made a Rear Admiral of the Blue in retirement in 1830, it is therefore highly likely this telescope was with him aboard Bellerophon during this historic period of his career.
the 1½in. single draw tapering wooden tube with vestiges of original painted finish, signed by the eyepiece Troughton LONDON Honble Captn. Maitland (optics defective) -- 25½ / 34½in. (65 / 87.5cm.) closed/open
Sir Frederick Lewis Maitland (1777-1839) enjoyed a lively naval career with numerous acts of gallantry and daring do recorded to his credit. However, it was Maitland's fate to be located at the right place and to act with the typical independence of thought that characterised many of Britain's greater heroes that brought his fame to its zenith. By 1815 he was in command of the Bellerophon (74) and blockading Rochefort in the aftermath of Waterloo. Receiving intelligence that Bonaparte would attempt to escape to America from there, he sent a small boat, in the belief that Bonaparte would in fact use Rochefort. Maitland's commanding officer, Admiral Hotham, left standing orders that should he intercept Bonaparte; he was to be taken directly to England. Maitland's hunch proved correct and after four days of negotiations between the 10th and 14th July, Bonaparte and his entourage embarked for the nine day crossing to Torbay. It took a further nineteen days for the Government to decide what to do with him and he was transferred to the Northumberland. Maitland's account of Napoleon's time aboard Bellerophon was published in 1826. Maitland was appointed Captain in 1801, rank he held until made a Rear Admiral of the Blue in retirement in 1830, it is therefore highly likely this telescope was with him aboard Bellerophon during this historic period of his career.
Auction: Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art ('Popham), 29th Apr, 2009
