"James Prentice was born in London, England in 1812.   He served a seven year apprenticeship with John Beal of London.  He came to the United States in 1842 and died in New York in 1888.

From 1846-1883 he is listed in the New York City directory as Prentice, James, math insts.  From 1883-1897 listed as James Prentice & Son, opticians; James Prentice and his son Charles F. Prentice.  From 1897-1924 listed as James Prentice & Son Company with Charles F. Prentice as President.  

Charles F. Prentice was born in New York City in 1854 and died in 1946.  He became the first president of the Optical Society of New York State in 1896."

Instrument shown is from the collection of the National Museum of American History, a division of the Smithsonian Institution