Featured in this lot is this beautiful Tele Vue Renaissance Comet Halley Commemorative 550mm telescope made by Tele Vue in Pearl River, New York circa 1985-1986. Tele Vue Optics, Inc. was created in 1977 by Al Nagler, a Bronx-based optical engineer who previously worked on Apollo simulators. The company began by producing projection lenses for huge projection-screen televisions, but it is now well-known in the astronomy?community. This Renaissance is a commemorative edition marking the return of Halley's Comet in 1986. Despite being an early model, the telescope already had many of Tele Vue's later distinctive characteristics, such as the focuser, clamshell, and tube design. Like all Tele Vues, it was handcrafted in the United States. The Renaissance included a sturdy case, mount, tripod, 2" diagonal, 26mm Plossl eyepiece?and instructions. This Renaissance rendition is unique in that it was created to mark the much anticipated return of Halley's Comet in 1986. Near the view port are two brass plaques, one on either side of the telescope. The one on the left side reads, "Renaissance 550mm f/5.5 Ser. No. 1646 Pat. No. 4400065 / Tele Vue Pearl River, NY Made in U.S.A.", while the one on the right reads, "Renaissance Comet Halley Commemorative 1985-1986". This telescope comes with the original carry case for the actual telescope and a smaller brief case carrying two T-System camera adapters (One Canon & One Nikon), a Tele Vue 32mm Wide Field, a Tele Vue Nagler 4.8mm, a Tele Vue 10.5mm PLoSSL, a Tele Vue 21mm PLoSSL, a Tele Vue 2.5x Barlow, two tube adapters, cleaning tissues, a cleaning cloth and two instruction packets. The brief case and telescope carry case come with two keys to lock and secure the items. The telescope shows a lovely patina on the brass from its age, but can be polished off if needed as the brass has not been lacquered. The front of the telescope features a screw-fit metal cap to keep the telescope glass protected. To assemble the telescope, open the tripod and attach the metal plate between the legs for extra stability, then, attach the mount to the top of the tripod and screw the telescope onto the mount. The telescope, carry cases and eyepieces show good condition overall with very little wear present due to its age and use over the years. The telescope shows a crisp, clear view and focus knobs turn smooth and easy. No signs of obvious damage is present. A beautiful piece for collectors, explorers and photographers alike! When assembled, the scope measures approx. 39" in length, 36 1/2" in width and 41 1/4" in height (at lowest point). The telescope carry case measures 9" L x 35 5/8" W x 8 1/4" H, while the briefcase measures 13 1/2" L x 15 1/4" W x 3 7/8" H. The collective weight of all items is 48 pounds.

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