Telescope

A long brass spy glass. It is sitting on a white doily on a wooden table.
John's telescope from the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: England
Year: ca. 1810
Materials: Brass, leather, and glass 

This telescope is attributed as having belonged to John Harris and has the markings “Harris & Son, London” on its eyepiece (no relation). Such devices were known in the War of 1812 as “glasses”. Midshipman David Wingfield described using his glass to observe American reinforcements at Sackett’s Harbour.  The telescope measures just under 9″ fully-retracted and 22″ fully-extended.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.