Curios Photograph

[Tonji]

Hi all,

I'm researching an archive of photographs from the 19th century in India.

This particular one is curious. Really not sure if this is a scientific experiment or some sort of astronomy telescope.

Any ideas?

Click to see full-size image.

Click to see full-size image.

[RED-DOG]

Hearing aid?

Punjabi collider?

[Claw75]

Punjabi collider?

[titaniumbean]

Punjabi collider?

[Tonji]

Hearing aid?

Punjabi collider?

lol

here's the hard of hearing fella himself, with associates. Like his hat 

Click to see full-size image.

[AndrewT]

I love your photo puzzles Tonji.

Spent about half an hour searching for various things on Google and think it might be this fella - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Copeland

More info here - http://www.ericpercival.co.uk/Copeland/Copeland%20obituary.htm

'He accepted the invitation of the Joint Permanent Eclipse Committee to take part in the observations of the eclipse of the 22nd of January 1898 in India. He took his 40-foot telescope with him, this time arranged as a horizontal telescope, in which the image was received on 18-inch plates moved by clockwork, while a direct-vision prism, mounted on a slide in front of the object-glass, could be drawn into position by an attendant, transforming the telescope into a prismatic camera.'

It does look like a 40-foot telescope on its side.

[AndrewT]

If it is him then the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh would have more info/be interested in photos of him.

[Claw75]

excellent work Mr T

[Delboy]

excellent work Mr T

+1

[Geo the Sarge]

If it is him then the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh would have more info/be interested in photos of him.

If you need any footwork done Tonji, give me a shout, I'm 5 minutes from the observatory

edit: Great work Andrew

Geo

[kinboshi]

Was that fella Tikay's great great nephew?

[Tonji]

I love your photo puzzles Tonji.

Spent about half an hour searching for various things on Google and think it might be this fella - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Copeland

More info here - http://www.ericpercival.co.uk/Copeland/Copeland%20obituary.htm

'He accepted the invitation of the Joint Permanent Eclipse Committee to take part in the observations of the eclipse of the 22nd of January 1898 in India. He took his 40-foot telescope with him, this time arranged as a horizontal telescope, in which the image was received on 18-inch plates moved by clockwork, while a direct-vision prism, mounted on a slide in front of the object-glass, could be drawn into position by an attendant, transforming the telescope into a prismatic camera.'

It does look like a 40-foot telescope on its side.

Thats excellent Andrew. Tremendous help, thanks. It all fits, I actually bought the archive in Edinburgh last year, & just getting around to cataloging it with a view to selling it.

Actually spent the afternoon phoning round the Science Museum Library (no one available til Wednesday), Royal Observatory (can't get direct contact to the expert, he's on holiday). Should have known blondes AndrewT is all thats needed.

Owe you a drink Andrew 

[Claw75]

have you got any more for us Tonji?  I love these old mystery photos.

[Tonji]

have you got any more for us Tonji?  I love these old mystery photos.

Stay tuned, they do crop up. I noticed an album of views from Northern Ireland I had bought a couple of years ago that cost a fair bit & needs sorting.

I can be a lazy & distracted sod, I hop from one project to another, but will get around to it. Current problem is why my Accountant wants my books now, when I normally rush them in before Christmas.

[Tonji]

Another sighting of Prof Copeland's telescope, behind the cattle & cart.