Telescope. Description: with black sailor's knot working History: English From the History Information Station Object: Brass telescope with a black sailor's knot, made in England circa the early 19th century. History: From the very moment of their appearance, telescopes played an immensely important role on board ships. The ability to see further than with the naked eye not only meant better recognition of signals, but enabled the navigator to spot cliffs, rocks, enemy ships, or any other danger in time to avoid them, which might otherwise have been impossible. Museum Purchase