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Photographs => Members Mystery Photos => Topic started by: ValB on 10 July 2025 06:35:47 pm

Title: What on earth is this?
Post by: ValB on 10 July 2025 06:35:47 pm

I believe this instrument is something to do with military, probably naval possibly 1st - second world war. It says W Ottway and co (based in Ealing) on flange..... has anyone got any idea what this is?

Title: Re: What on earth is this?
Post by: Philip L on 12 July 2025 10:02:43 am

I do not know what the object is but there is some interesting information at the Australian National Maritine Museum about W Ottway and Co.

https://collections.sea.museum/objects/152563/w-ottway--co-ltd-sighting-telescope

Basic Information that I have seen.
W Ottway and Co was established in 1840 at Ealing in London. They were manufactures of Naval and Military Gun sighting, telescopes and a wide range of scientific instruments. They were one of the largest suppliers of sighting equipment to the Royal Navy.

Philip L

Title: Re: What on earth is this?
Post by: ValB on 13 July 2025 04:57:48 am

Hello Philip,

thanks for your reply and trying to find out more info for me. I too have trawled the internet and found out lots about the company, its history and pictures of their products but I have found nothing that remotely resembles this object.... very frustrating! I feel it may be something that is an extension or addition to something else but there is no clue to what! Thanks anyway.

Val