A spyglass is a small, portable, handheld telescope that was used for nautical and terrestrial observation. They were commonly made of brass and had a magnification of around 3x to 10x. Spyglasses were first invented in the early 17th century and were quickly adopted by sailors and explorers. They were used to scan the horizon for ships, land, and other objects. Spyglasses were also used for hunting and for military purposes. The name "spyglass" comes from the fact that they were often used for spying on enemy ships and positions. Spyglasses were eventually replaced by binoculars and other optical devices, but they are still used today by some sailors and enthusiasts.

20 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

Antique gilt metal spy glass converted from a lorngette

Converted Lorngette: Antique Gilt Metal Spy Glass

Antique gilt metal spy glass converted from a lorngette

Antique rose gold spy glass approx total weight 13 grams. Tests…

14ct Antique Rose Gold Spy Glass with Repairs - 13g

Antique rose gold spy glass approx total weight 13 grams. Tests as 14ct with repairs

A brass & leather telescopic spyglass, 19th century. Provenance:…

19th Century Telescopic Spyglass with Leather & Brass

A brass & leather telescopic spyglass, 19th century. Provenance: The country collection of an interior designer, length 54 cm (closed)

Early 19th century four draw brass & ivory spyglass. 'Smith…

Smith London Spyglass with Brass & Ivory Detailing

Early 19th century four draw brass & ivory spyglass. 'Smith Royal Exchange London' 39 x 48 mm (closed) N

18th century ivory & tortoise shell spyglass. By George Adams,…

18th Century Spyglass by George Adams, London

18th century ivory & tortoise shell spyglass. By George Adams, London. In a shagreen covered case. (57 x 38 mm)

18th century ivory & brass spyglass. In a circular shagreen…

18th Century London Spyglass in Shagreen Case

18th century ivory & brass spyglass. In a circular shagreen covered case, inscribed 'G. Adams London' (62 x 50 mm) Nb: export restricted.

18th century ivory & brass spyglass. 52 x 33 mm. Nb: export…

18th Century Ivory Spyglass with Brass Detail

18th century ivory & brass spyglass. 52 x 33 mm. Nb: export restricted.

Lerebours (Paris) ivory cased spy glass, circa 1850-1880, 12.5…

Lerebours Ivory Spy Glass, 1850-1880

Lerebours (Paris) ivory cased spy glass, circa 1850-1880, 12.5 cm long (extended)

A good Victorian nickel plated nine draw spyglass by 'C H…

Victorian Spyglass by C.H. Chadburn & Son (1868)

A good Victorian nickel plated nine draw spyglass by 'C H Chadburn & Son', Liverpool, leather grip and presentation inscription dated 1868. Extended length 90 cm

Two 19th century three draw naval Spyglass C. 1850, both gilt…

19th Century Gilt Brass Naval Spyglasses

Two 19th century three draw naval Spyglass C. 1850, both gilt brass with brown leather hand grips. Extended length 44 cm and 72 cm

Antique spy glass, marked 'W.E. Toose' 418 George Street,…

1880s Sydney Spy Glass by W.E. Toose

Antique spy glass, marked 'W.E. Toose' 418 George Street, Sydney NSW, a business operating at that address circa 1880s

A cased brass nautical spyglass, 19th century, 47 cm long

19th Century Brass Nautical Spyglass in Case

A cased brass nautical spyglass, 19th century, 47 cm long

Antique ormolu spy glass with mask head decoration

Ornate Spy Glass with Mask Head Ornamentation

Antique ormolu spy glass with mask head decoration

Spy glass by Blairs Nautical Supplies Ltd, Cardiff with leather…

Leather-bound Spy Glass Set with Brass Pocket Telescope

Spy glass by Blairs Nautical Supplies Ltd, Cardiff with leather binding (85 cm); plus pocket brass and timber spy glass (32 cm). 2 items.

Spyglass: late 19th century brass & leather. 20 cm, extends to…

Late 19th Century Brass Spyglass in Working Condition

Spyglass: late 19th century brass & leather. 20 cm, extends to 58 cm, working order.

A German Karl Heinz brass Maritime double barrel Spyglass…

German Brass Spyglass Telescope on Tripod Stand with Spirit Weight

A German Karl Heinz brass Maritime double barrel Spyglass telescope on tripod stand together with spirit weight, marked with serial no 60178592

A Davon leather cased World War I field spy glass and a…

WWI Leather Spy Glass and Military Accessories Collection

A Davon leather cased World War I field spy glass and a collection of various leather military accessories, the leather spy glass case inscribed Norman H Murray, Sydney Australia, the spy glass 32 cm closed

A small Victorian three section gilt brass and boxwood Spyglass…

Victorian Gilt Brass Spyglass Telescope

A small Victorian three section gilt brass and boxwood Spyglass telescope. Length 16.5 cm

A Victorian gilt brass 25 power four section telescope Spyglass…

Victorian Gilt Brass Spyglass Telescope with Leather Handle

A Victorian gilt brass 25 power four section telescope Spyglass with wrapped leather handle. Length 75 cm

A 19th century telescope spyglass signed G.S.W. Procter, London,…

19th Century G.S.W. Procter Telescope Spyglass

A 19th century telescope spyglass signed G.S.W. Procter, London, gilt brass and wood. Length 90 cm