Late 18th Century English King George III “King’s Royal Patent” Multi-Draw Telescope Presented to Major General Sir Anthony Farrington (1742-1823), Royal Artillery, Choice Extremely Fine.
This handsome and historically significant English telescope dates to the reign of King George III and represents a fine example of late18th-Early 19th century craftsmanship. Engraved and associated with Major General Farrington of the Royal Artillery, this telescope carries notable Revolutionary War provenance. Farrington served with distinction during the American Revolutionary War, seeing action at the Battle of Bunker Hill, Brooklyn, Long Island, White Plains, and Brandywine. Quality instruments of this caliber were essential tools of command used for battlefield observation, surveying, and strategic reconnaissance.

Constructed in multiple graduated draw sections, this telescope is formed of richly patinated metal and deeply toned wood. Each tube is fitted with turned collars and precision-made fittings. This piece of English engineering extends smoothly to full viewing length of 29.25 inches and retracts compactly to a length of about 12.5 inches. The craftsmanship and build of this telescope is typical of high quality Officer equipment in both naval and field applications. Notably, this telescope incorporates a computing scale for determining horizontal distance; An uncommon and highly functional addition that distinguishes it from other telescopes of the period. The surface exhibits a warm patina consistent with age with only minor surface wear. A superb example of late 18th century scientific technology linked to an extraordinary Officer of the British Army during the American Revolutionary era. Perfect item for display that includes a small engraved plaque with a description of who Major General Sir Anthony Farrington is, and a brief description of this telescope.
(Silver Plaque that is for display alongside telescope.) A fine and rare English George III King’s patented telescope fitted with a table for computing horizontal distances. This tlelscope was presented to Major General Sir Anthony Farrington R.A. (1742-1823) 1st Baronet.

Farrington served in the American war of Independence for the British. Farrington was in Boston from 1774-1776 and fought at the Battles of Bunker (Breeds) Hill, Brooklyn, Long Island, White Plains, and Brandywine.

Farrington was born on 6 February 1742, the son of lieutenant-colonel Charles Farrington and Ann born Crouche. He entered the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, as a cadet 3 March 1754, was appointed a lieutenant fireworker in 1755, and a second lieutenant the following year.

He became a lieutenant-colonel in December 1782, colonel 1791, major-general 1795, lieutenant-general 1802, and a general in 1812. He served at Gibraltar from 1759 to 63 where he was promoted to captain-lieutenant, and at New York and elsewhere in America 1764-8 where he became a captain.

Returning to New York in 1773, he continued to serve in America until May 1783. He was at Boston in 1774-1776 including the Battle of Bunker's Hill, Brooklyn, Long Island, White Plains, the Battle of Brandywine, during the American War of Independence. He commanded the artillery at Plymouth in 1788-9.

He married on 9 March 1766 Elizabeth Corden from New York. They had two sons and three daughters.

Their eldest child, Charles Colden Farrington, born in 1770, died a captain in the 33rd foot in 1796, but he left a son, Charles Henry Farrington, who became a captain in the 31st foot, and succeeded to the baronetcy on the death of his grandfather