STAR12ED Astro-Physics Oil Spaced Unicorn

Good Day,

I am offering an Astro-Physics "unicorn" for sale.

It is an extremely rare oil-spaced Astro-Physics Star12-ED.

Roland Christen himself can attest to the rarity of this apochromatic refractor; it is one of only oil-spaced a few manufactured by Roland in the early 1990s—all other standard models are air-spaced, it is an historic item of astronomy in the USA, i think.

This is your opportunity to acquire it.

Although this APO is lightweight and portable, my age now makes it difficult for me to handle.

I would like to see it return to its place of origin—the United States. I have previously shipped two Intes-Micro scopes to you, including a 10" f/15 model, and many small, valuable accessories (TEC turret, Gutekunst ADC, etc.)

so shipping this apochromatic refractor should not be an issue (via DHL or UPS with insurance—let’s please split the shipping costs).

The refractor is in perfect condition. Images taken under bright flashlight illumination reveal "a few tiny specks of dust"; I have never touched them, nor will I—Roland could clean them, but it seems unnecessary (there are perhaps only 4 to 6 specks, so it’s really not worth the effort). I believe Roland would confirm this.

The case is in perfect condition, both inside and out; however, the foam lining should be replaced, as it has begun to disperse (it is nearly 40 years old, so please forgive it—replacing it would only cost a few dollars). To prevent any debris from transferring onto the scope, I now wrap the Star12ED in plastic film before placing it back in the case.

The photos speak for themselves: the refractor is superb and extremely rare. I also own a TEC "Pearl" model and am considering selling this one in favor of the TEC; they are identical in terms of contrast, with no discernible color fringing.

I am asking 4,500 for it. If possible, I would prefer to sell it to someone in the USA—I would truly love for it to "return home."

I need to check, but I do have the 5” rings; I’ve been in touch with Joe at Parallax, and he can manufacture them if I can’t locate the ones I have. We can discuss how that affects the final price.

As I write all this, I find myself wondering whether I should sell the Pearl rather than the Astro-Physics; this Star12 provides a view that is, for all intents and purposes, identical—though I do believe the oil-spaced design makes an undeniable difference.

Thank you for reading.

Guillaume