Anglo-American War 1812-1814, an historic telescope with a direct connection to one of the Royal Naval officers involved in the sacking and burning of Washington 24 August 1814, the brass and mahogany 5 draw instrument bears the manufacturer’s engraved legend, ‘Gilbert & Sons/London/Improved’, the firm existed under this title 1806-1819, another of the brass draw sections bears the engraved legends, ‘Captain John Wainwright, Royal Navy/a present from the Honble. General Maitland’, the engraving contemporary with the age of the instrument, extensive research papers are included, minor dents to some sections and a rim dent to the eye-piece ring, otherwise in remarkably fine condition for age £1500-2000

Captain John Wainwright of the Tonnant was overall commander of three divisions of boats and tenders forming part of the water borne attack under Rear Admiral Cockburn that advanced up the Patuxent on 20 August. He was responsible for the burning of the remaining American stores and was probably present at the burning of the Capitol and other parliamentary buildings.