Early reconnaissance- the spyglass

Recon equipment for pirates, Civil War soliders, cowboys and steampunkers… More stylish than binoculars, of course! Most recently seen in the westerns “True Grit” and “Cowboys and Aliens”, the spyglass was an important piece of intelligence-gathering equipment.

Replica Armory features this fully functional spyglass, along with many other stage props.

The Spyglass

A spyglass is the one piece of steampunk kit that is genuinely useful: it works, it looks right and it fits in a coat pocket. The brass draw tube design dates from the eighteenth century, and the replica versions in the catalog are functional rather than decorative.

The optics on a reproduction are simple, so do not expect a modern image. What matters is the body: brass that has been lacquered will stay bright, and unlacquered brass will patina, which is usually the better look for a costume. Keep the lenses clean with a soft cloth and never dismantle the tube, because the lenses are not individually replaceable.

Common questions

Does the spyglass actually work?
Yes, the reproduction telescopes and magnifies, though with simple optics.

Will the brass tarnish?
Unlacquered brass darkens with handling. That patina suits a costume; polish removes it.