Main Tube, Telescope, Springfield Newtonian, and Misc. parts

The Springfield style of Newtonian reflector was first suggested by the artist and amateur astronomer Russell W. Porter in the early 20th Century. Its chief characteristic is that it offers the viewer a stable eyepiece, greatly facilitating tedious observaiton. Numerous versions of this style were made, poartly under Porter's guidance and most quite independently, by amateurs worldwide. The manufacturer of this example is unknown, but the design is a faithful rendition of Porter’s design and instruments made on that design by John Pierce in the 1930s. Mr. 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. This specific object is the opticalo tube assembly, including a shaft for the Springfield mount. Other objects in htis suite include the 8-inch mirror optics, a finder, and the equatorial head.