Carl Kellner's Successors Belthle & Leitz Telescope

Extremely rare and early telescope made by Carl Kellner's successors and associates Friedrich Belthle and Ernst Leitz after he prematurely passed away in 1855, engraved with 'C. Kellner's Nachf: Belthle & Leitz in Wetzlar' on the side, no serial number, 77.5cm fully extended 4 pieces brass construction with wooden veneer on the largest barrel, front lens diameter 5.2cm. In 1849 Carl Kellner founded his “Optical Institute” in Wetzlar, the forerunner of the Leitz company. At first, he mainly designed astronomical oculars and telescopes, and later also microscopes. It is in remarkably good condition in the face of its age, and in working order, good optics, together with matching brass front lens cap.