Pruyn Equatorial Telescope
The Dudley Observatory's Pruyn Telescope on display at the New York State Museum c. 1978.

The Pruyn Equatorial Telescope was purchased in 1893. It is a refracting telescope with a lens 12" in diameter. It was built by the Warner and Swasey Company of Cleveland, Ohio, one of the world's leading makers of scientific instruments. Its lens was made by John Brashear of Allegheny, Pa. Purchased with donations made by Charles and Robert C. Pruyn of Albany, it was named the Robert H. Pruyn Equatorial Telescope in honor of their father, a prominent 19th century Albany businessman, civic leader and long-time board member of the Observatory. It served science for more than 60 years, as well as being opened to public viewing every Tuesday night. In this capacity it introduced thousands of Albany residents to the wonders of the heavens. It was put in storage at the New York State Museum when the Dudley Observatory left its Albany site in 1965.

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Dudley Observatory
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