Equatorial Head, Telescope, Springfield Newtonian, with Misc. parts

This is the central mounting assembly for a Springfield-style Newtonian telescope, commonly referred to as an equatorial head. The manufacturer is unknown, but the design is a faithful rendition of Russell W. Porter’s design and instruments made on that design by John Pierce in the 1930s. Steve Smith, the donor, reported that his uncle, Harvey L. Walsh, found this telescope on a Virginia farm during a trip. He does not know when this happened or where the farm was. Walsh purchased the telescope and then restored it. Smith does not know if it was ever operational, but an inspection reveals that it is complete and should be operational. The Springfield Newtonian telescope represents how one of the nation’s most respected telescope designers (Russell W. Porter) suggested that telescopes be built to accommodate observers with physical limitations, or observers who wished to observe in comfort.

Steve Smith donated this to the Museum in 2003.