Topics on this site include: A history of the telescope, antique telescopes, historical telescopes, antique scientific instruments, reflector telescope, refractor telescope, spyglass, pirate telescope, telescope history, history of astronomy, astronomy before the telescope, Captain Cook's telescopes and the transit of Venus, antique toy telescopes, including boy scout and cub scout telescopes, and many more photographs of old instruments.

Topics to be added shortly: History of the Cincinnati telescopes and observatory.

Rather than show all the well-known historical instruments in important museums (since these photos are readily available elsewhere), I prefer to show little-known astronomical instruments that are nonetheless typical of their time.

I make no claims for completeness. This site is intended as an overview of historical astronomical instruments. As more material is added in the months ahead, the site will naturally become more comprehensive.

Interested viewers may also want to see my website Homemade Astronomy where I feature homemade eyepieces and telescopes.