English, c.1760, unsigned, of typical construction the main tube 1.5" diameter with original primary mirror at far end, fine screw focus to secondary mirror, eyepiece plate with screw in cover, and tube cap, mounted on a teardrop-shaped column with compass type joint to underside of bodytube, with steel thread to boss on top of case, the case finished in Marron Moroccan leather with an elaborate brass lock, interior lined with green French silk velvet, case width 22cm The telescope comes with a hand written note that reads 'This telescope was owned by Seth Boyden the inventor, and was used by him on his trip to California in 1849' Provenance: bought from an estate sale in Staten Island Seth Boyden (November 17, 1788 – March 31, 1870) was a prolific American inventor whose contributions spanned various fields. Renowned for his ingenuity, Boyden revolutionized industries with his innovations. One of Boyden's notable achievements was perfecting the process for manufacturing patent leather. In 1818, inspired by a piece of high-gloss leather imported from Germany, Boyden embarked on a mission to replicate the luxurious material domestically. Setting up a workshop at the Malleable Cast Iron Foundry in Newark, New Jersey, he meticulously experimented until he unlocked the formula for creating patent leather. By layering linseed oil-based coatings, Boyden succeeded in producing a glossy leather that combined elegance with durability, marking a significant advancement in the leather industry. In 1820, Boyden delved into the realm of metallurgy, focusing on malleable iron. Drawing from observations of iron behavior in his grandfather's forge, he developed innovative heat treatment techniques. His breakthrough, known as blackheart iron, garnered recognition from the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, solidifying Boyden's reputation as a pioneer in metallurgical engineering. Boyden's inventive spirit extended beyond leather and metal. He dabbled in various projects, including the creation of a nail-making machine, construction of his steamboat, and development of a cut-off switch for steam engines. Additionally, Boyden ventured into photography, with claims suggesting his involvement in early daguerreotype experimentation. Despite his numerous achievements, Boyden rarely pursued patents for his inventions. Instead, he preferred to engage in individual contracts and establish businesses, albeit not always reaping substantial financial rewards. In his later years, Boyden resided humbly in Hilton, New Jersey (now Maplewood), where he cultivated a hybrid strawberry variety known as the Hilton strawberry. Today, Boyden's legacy is commemorated by a statue in Newark's Washington Park, the first of its kind in the United States to honor an engineer.