Antique military telescopes are available to you as replicas, through several Web sites.

At these replica sites for antique military telescopes you can purchase great replicas of antique military telescopes that were used on ships and other military vehicles. You might find, for instance huge antique military telescopes that were used as port masters or small ones that were used as spyglasses. In most cases, these replicas of antique military telescopes are not only attractive keepsakes but working telescopes as well.

The $44 spyglass telescope, for example, has a fine finish and a classic look. It is tiny enough to fit inside your pocket but when you unfold it it stretches to 14 inches. This smallest of the antique military telescopes has great optics. Its rosewood covering gives it an attractive look as well as comfortable grip. The lens on this spyglass telescope is protected from damage by a cap made of brass.

At the other end of the size spectrum of these antique military telescopes is the Port Master Telescope. Its cost is $385.

It's massive (40 inches) but attractive, and stands on a gorgeous rosewood tripod. This antique military telescope is so tall that a taller than average adult can still view through it while standing.

The Port Master has a targeting telescope that expands and contracts and is mounted on top of its main tube. Once you have honed in on your celestial (or in this case naval) target, you'll find a sharp clear image of even distant objects. The telescope's positioning instruments bring you very exacting information about your target's angle and its locking screws, which are adjustable, let this antique military telescope move easily. In contrast, it can also lock it in place.

The Port Master telescope weighs more than twenty pounds.