Skip to product information
Swiss Enamel and Gold Telescope
Swiss Enamel and Gold Telescope
https://youtu.be/uePzt4tV0WE?autoplay=0&controls=1&showinfo=0&loop=1&modestbranding=1&rel=0
Swiss Enamel and Gold Telescope
Swiss Enamel and Gold Telescope
Swiss Enamel and Gold Telescope
Buy with Confidence

At Antiquira, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

Swiss Enamel and Gold Telescope

  • This telescope exemplifies a rare union of 19th-century innovation and artistic excellence
  • This gold, gilt and enamel telescope represents the pinnacle of luxury
  • The lavish enameling required expert skill to achieve on this cylindrical form
  • The telescope was likely crafted in Geneva and comes with its original fitted leather presentation case
  • Get complete item description here
$48,500
Item No. 32-0340

To speak to one of our experts, call 1-786-446-9672

Description
Swiss Enamel and Gold Telescope
Circa 1820

This extraordinary telescope exemplifies a rare union of 19th-century Swiss scientific innovation and artistic excellence. Likely crafted in Geneva for the Ottoman market, this gold-mounted, gilt-metal and enamel telescope represents the pinnacle of luxury at the time. Enamel and gilt embellishments on functional items were already prestigious, yet the lavish enameling on this piece—requiring expert skill to achieve on a cylindrical form—indicates it was reserved for the. . .
Read More
Swiss Enamel and Gold Telescope
Circa 1820

This extraordinary telescope exemplifies a rare union of 19th-century Swiss scientific innovation and artistic excellence. Likely crafted in Geneva for the Ottoman market, this gold-mounted, gilt-metal and enamel telescope represents the pinnacle of luxury at the time. Enamel and gilt embellishments on functional items were already prestigious, yet the lavish enameling on this piece—requiring expert skill to achieve on a cylindrical form—indicates it was reserved for the wealthiest patrons.

The telescope extends in elegant tiers, each adorned with turquoise enamel roundels framed in scalloped gold paillons, meticulously painted with floral bouquets of tulips, peonies and pansies. Set against a deep pink enamel background interwoven with delicate garlands, this item is as functional as it is beautiful.

Personal telescopes from this period are exceedingly rare on the market, especially with such masterful enameling. The collar and lens cap feature intricate taille d’épargne enamel borders, alternating opaque white and pale blue with golden scrolls on a striking scarlet red enamel over engine-turned metal. Complete with its original fitted leather presentation case, this telescope represents a remarkable blend of astronomical sophistication and decorative artistry.

Telescope: 4 3/4" length x 1 3/4" diameter
Extended: 19 1/4" length
Box: 2" high x 5 3/4" wide x 2 1/2" deep
Read Less
Swiss Enamel and Gold Telescope
Period: 19th Century
Origin: Other
Type: Binoculars/Telescopes
Depth: 1.75 in. (4.45 cm)
Width: 1.75 in. (4.45 cm)
Height: 19.25 in. (48.9 cm)
Swiss Enamel and Gold Telescope
History of Enameling Techniques

Enameling is an ancient art requiring a remarkable level of artistry and skill. Involving tiny glass particles adhered with high heat onto metal, enamel is known for its unique luminosity and its range...

Read More
Swiss Enamel and Gold Telescope
Out of this World: Antique Telescopes

  A monumental and important telescope by Parisian optician Robert-Aglae Cauchoix   When was the last time you went outside on a clear night for the sole purpose of looking at the night...

Read More
Buy with Confidence

At Antiquira, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

The Antiquira Difference

The Antiquira Difference

The Antiquira Difference

At Antiquira, we believe that antiques are not merely objects they are vessels of history, craftsmanship, and soul. Our philosophy is rooted in a commitment to curating timeless pieces that carry stories worth preserving, and presenting them with integrity, expertise, and personal attention. We see every client relationship as a partnership in stewardship, ,where trust, knowledge, and passion guide every exchange. Our goal is simple: to offer not just the rarest and most exceptional items, but also a buying experience as enduring and refined as the treasures we provide.

-Katie Phillips, Owner

Fine Art

Antiquira is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .

Antiquira is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Katie Phillips’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, Antiquira can support you on this journey.

Jewelry

For more than a century, Antiquira has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, Antiquira houses. . .

For more than a century, Antiquira has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, Antiquira houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

Antiques

Since 1923, Antiquira has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1923, Antiquira has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.