Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

 

Library telescope from J. H. Steward (c. 1880)

A close-up of a telescope

Description automatically generatedA gold telescope on a stand

Description automatically generatedA close-up of a telescope

Description automatically generatedA close-up of a telescope

Description automatically generatedA close-up of a telescope

Description automatically generatedA close-up of a telescope

Description automatically generatedA close-up of a telescope

Description automatically generated

Library telescope engraved with ‘J. H. Steward, London’. This instrument should be dated to c. 1880. James Henry Steward (1818-1896) started his business in London in 1852. Although his business started as retail business selling watches and firearms-related optical equipment, the business grew to include telescopes, binoculars, compasses, barometers, and microscopes, some of which he claimed to have made. Over the years, Steward sold many instruments with their name on the instruments, but many of these were made by others for Steward. The firm traded from 406 Strand, London (1865 – c. 1915), 66 Strand (1868 – 1888), 457 Strand (1885 – c. 1920), with various other branches. As each of James’ sons reached adulthood, they were given a subsidiary shop elsewhere in London to manage, but the establishment at 406 Strand remained as the centre of the business. After James’ death, the company continued (only being inherited through the male line) until 1975.