Meade Crown Optics 8" f/6 Reflector #791 — EQ Mount, Motor Drive, Eyepieces 

The Crown Optics Model #791 is an 8-inch f/6 Newtonian reflector produced by Meade Instruments Corporation of Costa Mesa, California — one of the final instruments sold under the Crown Optics imprint before Meade consolidated to a single brand name. The cream-white enamel optical tube seats in a cast German equatorial head with graduated setting circles on both right ascension and declination axes, a counterweight shaft, and a synchronous electric clock drive rated 115V/60Hz for tracked observation. The dual-knob Meade rack-and-pinion focuser and 6×30mm finder are both Japan-made Meade units. This example was purchased January 11, 1982 by a physician in Albuquerque, New Mexico — the original Crown Optics packing slip (No. C 0230) accompanies the lot, confirming unbroken single-owner provenance across more than four decades.

Lot includes the telescope on its equatorial mount with motorized clock drive and pier base; KE 40mm eyepiece (1¼"); KE 9mm eyepiece (1¼"); OR 4mm eyepiece (1¼"); Meade camera adapter with 1¼" focuser insert (Japan); T-NF Nikon F-mount T-ring (Japan); Meade instruction manual for Crown Optics Models #592 and #791 (©1981); Meade camera adapter instruction sheet; and original Crown Optics packing slip No. C 0230, dated 1/11/82.

CONDITION

Good. Optics are clear throughout with no loss of reflective surface confirmed by testing; the optical tube finish is intact with no significant dents or breaks. The equatorial head casting shows surface scratches and light oxidation on the exposed aluminum, and the Meade label on the polar axis column is partially secured with tape. Motor was audible when plugged in; no further operational testing was performed.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: Newtonian Reflecting Telescope
• Brand: Meade Instruments Corporation / Crown Optics, Inc.
• Model: Crown Optics #791
• Aperture: 8" (203mm)
• Focal Ratio: f/6
• Focuser Barrel Diameter: 1¼"
• Finder: 6×30mm (maker marked Meade, Japan)
• Mount: German Equatorial with setting circles (RA and Dec)
• Motor Drive: Synchronous, 115V / 60Hz
• Eyepieces Included: KE 40mm (1¼"), KE 9mm (1¼"), OR 4mm (1¼")
• Camera Adapter: Meade, Japan, 1¼"
• T-Ring: T-NF Nikon F-mount, Japan
• Provenance: Crown Optics packing slip No. C 0230, dated 1/11/82; Meade instruction manual ©1981; Meade camera adapter instruction sheet
• Assembled Dimensions: 55" H × 34" W × 51" D