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Captured by
Terry Wood

Jupiter (clearer) Nov 5th 2023 w/Mewlon 180c

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Restored 5" f/17 Mogey Refractor

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The telescope tube assembly consisting of a brass tube, lens cover, focuser and adjustable tube balance assembly are by Mogey and probably date to the early 20th century.  This tube assembly once belonged to Davidson College.  The Mogey lens was lost, but has been replaced by a modern extra long focal length Achromat by D&G Optical of Manheim, Pennsylvania, USA.

The mount is also American made by Criterion and was built to hold an 8 inch telescope (over kill for this 5 inch) There are no cheap oriental electronics in this mount to fail, only a drive motor that can be replaced if ever necessary.  The mount has rare engraved numbers on its unusually large aluminum setting circles.  Manual slow motion control on the declination axis is also a Criterion feature.  The mount holds the brass tube with two hinged rings for quick lift up and off.  The declination shaft is made of stainless steel (won't rust).  The hardwood tripod is new and is extra tall to allow viewing while standing when the moon and planets are high in the sky.

The roll around dolly is American made by R.C.A.  It was designed to hold a very heavy television camera at remote locations.  The dolly can be disassembled from the tripod leg locks and folded if desired.  When the dolly and telescope are moved to a viewing location, the three dolly jacks can be screwed down to lift the dolly casters to make the tripod solid on the ground. 

This telescope can give unsurpassed views of the brighter objects in the sky.  Since these objects don't require a "Go To" option to locate, there is no need for the telescope operator to learn a tedious start up procedure that most modern oriental telescopes now require.  This is important if the telescope operator is changed every few years as is common in schools today.  We have recently found that most telescope companies do not offer service nor spare parts beyond the telescope's warranty time.

The price for this telescope is $3000.  It you are interested in owing this telescope please contact me.