Rare and unusual Achromatic Refractor Telescope by R & J Beck of 31 Cornhill, London with original mahogany case and extra lenses.  Large size with a 4" lens.  From my research, I could not find another telescope of this vintage with the same fixed position mahogany tripod and table-top style base.  The previous owner paid 4,500 pounds in the 1970s or 1980s from a London dealer, whose description / price tag is afixed to the underside of the stand.   

Coming from the estate of a wealthy man who owned a large gold refining business. He built a large contemporary mansion that sat on a cliff with a view of New York City.  This piece sat in his livingroom like a piece of sculpture, allowing guests to look at the NYC skyline from New Jersey.  

Dealer tag description:  The barrel is fixed to the top of a turned brass pillar by a compass joint and below are stout, straight folding legs.  The front of the barrel is steadied by a pair of telescoping struts that hang on hooks below the barrel when not in use. At the base is a strut that incorporates rackwork to adjust the altitude.  Azimuthal motion is by a wooden handle and a hooke joint at the base of the pillar.  Sighting telescope to left side of barrel.  Focus by rackwork to the draw tube.  The firm of R & J Beck assumed this name and the address 31 Cornhill in 1864,  In 1880 they moved to 68 Cornhill.  

All of the gears and arms work smoothly.

R&J Beck was established by James Smith, one of the three premier English microscope manufacturers of the Victorian era (the two others were A. Ross and H. Powell), around 1839. In 1847 Richard Beck became a partner in the firm and was shortly followed by his brother Joseph Beck in 1857. After the retirement of Smith in 1865, the firm was known as R&J Beck.

The stand is all mahogany and pieced together with a set of screws.  It disassembles down to a small stack of wood strips for easy transport.    

My price is based on rarity and condition.  All offered will be considered.  This is an outstanding telescope.  

Condition:  Very good.  Minor wear to the brass, consistent with age.  Was probably restored at some point.  On the interior there is a paper cylinder that has either come off something or it was put in there for some reason.  It looks like a paper towel roll (the brown paper core section).  If you can open the center portion, then it can be removed easily.  When tipped, I could not get it to fall out of either end.  I can tell the scope does work, however this "roll" distorts the view.  The lens appear to be in good condition, and I do not see any noticeable scratches.  The case is all mahogany and fitted specifically for this scope.    

We can disassemble the stand for easy shipping.

Measurements:
4"DIA lens
Telescope measures 71 3/4" Long
Base 48 1/4" H x 29 1/2" W at feet.
Total height: 72 1/2" with telescope horizontal.