Telescope Belonging to William "The Sailor King" to Be Offered in Maritime Sale

LONDON.- An important sailing telescope that belonged to H.R.H King William IV – known as ‘The Sailor King’ – will be offered by Charles Miller Ltd on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 in his sale of Maritime & Scientific Models, Instruments & Art in London (25, Blythe Road, W14). Signed J&W Watkins/Charing Crofs/LONDON, the telescope is further inscribed This glafs belonged to/His Majesty William the 4th/when he was at Sea/was given by him/to Lord Adolphus Fitz Clarence/who gave it to/Berkley Paget/1831. Jeremiah and Walter Watkins only worked between 1794 and 1798 from 5 Charring Cross, London and were telescope makers by Royal Appointment to the Duke and Duchess of York and the Duke of Clarence, later William IV. The lot offered here bears a striking resemblance to the instrument held by the Duke while wearing his full dress naval uniform in the famous portrait painted by Sir Martin Archer Shee, circa 1800

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