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Cave Observatory Scope

Started by lthaxton, 10/02/2011 08:31PM
Posted 10/02/2011 08:31PM | Edited 10/02/2011 09:00PM Opening Post
Over the weekend I went on a drive with a couple of friends and picked up a complete Cave 12.5" Observatory scope. It was like a time capsule and have all of the original paperwork, eyepieces, and was in excellent (though a bit dirty/dusty) shape. I am going to clean it up and get a cart made to allow moving it in and out of the garage and look forward to some great views!

Cave Optical 12.5” Observatory scope mirror information:

12.5":

“Cave Optical Company #M651543
F 7.3 91 ½” F/L August 18, 1965”

6” F/12 Guide scope:

no inscription other than “74 5/8” FL”

Attached Image:

lthaxton's attachment for post 54210
Posted 10/02/2011 09:22PM #1
Posted 10/09/2011 10:21PM #2
I actually ran into another rare Cave, this one is a one-off custom scope made for a famous amateur and author of the era. As a teaser see the attached file.

Attached Image:

lthaxton's attachment for post 142165
Posted 10/03/2018 11:42PM #3
That Dr. Paul's 12.5" scope.
Posted 10/04/2018 12:44PM #4
Now thats a nice piece!

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4" portable AP convertable 44" or 70" pier
Stellarvue M7 Alt-Az, TSL7 Pier/Tripod
12.5" f/5 MidnighTelescopes DOB Swayze optics
Monroe GA
Posted 11/02/2018 12:35AM | Edited 11/02/2018 12:36AM #5
Thanks! A short while ago I put it all together and am testing it to see what, if anything, needs changing before I do a cosmetic restoration. I just added a curved four-vane spider holder and will shortly have a cooling fan arrangement (rear-mounted) set up too. 

Yes it is Dr Paul's scope, and I am told it was Tom Cave's pet project. In preliminary tests, under not great seeing, it showed more color and finer cloud detail on Saturn than my TEC200ED. The TEC was dealing with the unstable air a bit better though which prompted the cooling fan idea. 

The mirror is a stunner, Quartz and incredibly accurate. It was tested by a famous mirror maker and it is arguably the best mirror Cave ever produced. 

Attached Image:

lthaxton's attachment for post 159922
Posted 06/07/2022 04:55AM #6
It looks like a different mount.

Is the Cave mount for sale?

David
Posted 08/24/2022 02:32PM #7
Hey Larry,,,,
 Clint saying hi good to see you on here. Really Nice Cave.....
Thanks for posting  from the  (aveman

Clint Caveman Whitman
A boat load of the best astronomy equipment ever!!!
oooooo and a 228mm f10.6 Astro Physics triplet APO
Posted 11/23/2023 05:51PM #8
By the way I did notice the Schaffer mount!!

Clint Caveman Whitman
A boat load of the best astronomy equipment ever!!!
oooooo and a 228mm f10.6 Astro Physics triplet APO