2. Other

12 inch Dynascope - from the 1950's

I've decided to post images of a real classic telescope. This telescope until recently was located in the Greensburg-Salem School district, in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. It has since been retired, due to mechanical problems, with the equatorial mount and the fact it is a rather large instrument that needed to be moved in and out doors to be used! This Dynascope is rather unique because the fact it is a 12 inch scope, and not a 12.5 incher which means this is an early instrument. The serial number is # 478 and is the very lowest I have ever seen! The best bet is this telescope was a late 1950's or very early 1960's vintage. - Al
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  • Original plate from Criterion made of cast aluminum. In checking Sky and Telescope sources it appears that the Dynascope 12 was available from the 1950's until 1963. In January 1963 The Dynascope was listed available in "Your choice of 6, 8, 10, 12 and 16 inch models within the magazine." The Feb & March 1963 issues featured advertising of the 6 inch RV-6 Dynascope inside the back cover. However both of the same additions; Feb & , March 1963 shows that a 12.5 inch mirror from Criterion at F-7 is available for $ 299 under more Criterion advertising within those same issues. The April 1963 edition again featured the Dynascope in 6, 8, 10 12, and 16 inch models. New to the May 1963 Sky & telescope are Custom Dynascopes in your choice of 6, 8,10, 12.5 or 16 inch models. Therefore - perhaps it maybe assumed this was about the time of the change over to the 12.5 inch Dynascope. Incidently the new 12.5 inch Deluxe Dynascope was priced $ 1265.00 from the factory at 331 Church St, Hartford, Conn. per said advertisement.

    Original plate from Criterion made of cast aluminum. In checking Sky and Telescope sources it appears that the Dynascope 12 was available from the 1950's until 1963. In January 1963 The Dynascope was listed available in "Your choice of 6, 8, 10, 12 and 16 inch models within the magazine." The Feb & March 1963 issues featured advertising of the 6 inch RV-6 Dynascope inside the back cover. However both of the same additions; Feb & , March 1963 shows that a 12.5 inch mirror from Criterion at F-7 is available for $ 299 under more Criterion advertising within those same issues. The April 1963 edition again featured the Dynascope in 6, 8, 10 12, and 16 inch models. New to the May 1963 Sky & telescope are Custom Dynascopes in your choice of 6, 8,10, 12.5 or 16 inch models. Therefore - perhaps it maybe assumed this was about the time of the change over to the 12.5 inch Dynascope. Incidently the new 12.5 inch Deluxe Dynascope was priced $ 1265.00 from the factory at 331 Church St, Hartford, Conn. per said advertisement.

  • Setting circles, clock drive and slow motion control are all original to this equatorial mount.

    Setting circles, clock drive and slow motion control are all original to this equatorial mount.

  • Physics Instructor Cheryl Harper and Dr. Robert Yakulas pose beside this wonderful instrument.

    Physics Instructor Cheryl Harper and Dr. Robert Yakulas pose beside this wonderful instrument.

  • Peering down into the classic instrument!

    Peering down into the classic instrument!

  • Cheryl Harper gazes into this classic instrument!

    Cheryl Harper gazes into this classic instrument!

  • Robert Yakulis MD and the 12 inch Dynascope

    Robert Yakulis MD and the 12 inch Dynascope

  • The equatorial mount has some damage. The aluminum casting had cracked at the RA/Dec junction and has been repaired.

    The equatorial mount has some damage. The aluminum casting had cracked at the RA/Dec junction and has been repaired.

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  • Interesting to see a round spider assembly in this telescope.

    Interesting to see a round spider assembly in this telescope.

  • The telescope tube is not the original color. It was painted at some point to match the school's colors. I

    The telescope tube is not the original color. It was painted at some point to match the school's colors. I

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  • clock drive. This drive setup does not have the rest of the clock drive housing that coveres the gear assembly. It has not been located.

    clock drive. This drive setup does not have the rest of the clock drive housing that coveres the gear assembly. It has not been located.

  • criterion clock drive assembly without rear cover.

    criterion clock drive assembly without rear cover.

  • Primary mirror cover close-up.

    Primary mirror cover close-up.

  • The serial nimber here on the tube reads # 478. I am amazed - This is the lowest Criterion number I have ever come accross!!

    The serial nimber here on the tube reads # 478. I am amazed - This is the lowest Criterion number I have ever come accross!!

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