Herron Optical telescope/objective help needed

I have a telescope with a Herron Optical Co. 9" f/12 objective. It is a doublet with a large air space and appears to be a Baker design. The lens is mounted in the original anodized aluminum cell and has several calibration /certification stickers from the government test lab, the Herron logo,part number 509-0003 and efl of 108". .It was manufactured in the early 70's. Herron Optical was integrated into the B&L family in the 80's My internet search has not yielded any other info except references to research abstracts of Herron scientists or that Tom Cave(Cave Optical) got his start there . The instrument was declared surplus by the Federal Gov. (US Naval Observatory) and we bought it from them several years ago. My guess is that the instrment was assembled by the the USNO or contractor since I dont think Herron made completed OTA's.The focuser or other instrument was removed before they declared it surplus so it has no other markings on it. Does anyone have any old Herron catalogs or know anything about the lens? I am thinking about having the negative lens coated (only the positive lens is coated)so my concern is with the type of glass used for the negative element. Because of the very large (about 3/4") air space ghosting is not the issue only optimizing throughput . I also need to get the scope appraised for insurace coverage so any lead to an qualified appraiser would be helpful. Thanks

Gary,

I don't think you will gain a great deal by having the second lens coated, and getting a lens coated always entails some risk. You have a rather unique lens, and if something happened to the one lens in shipping or in coating you'd just have an interesting conversation piece.

I suggest trying the lens under the night sky as it is. If it performs well, and ghosting is indeed not a problem, I'd table the idea of sending out one element for coating.

Clear skies, Alan

Can't help with the lens, but I know a little history. Herron was bought out and absorbed into Laser Power Corporation 15-20 years ago, probably for tax purposes. Later, Laser Power and Exotic Electro-Optics (where I worked for many years) came together. EEO was purchased by II-VI and Laser Power eventually ceased to exist. I don't know of a single person there left over from the Herron days, so I think it is truly gone.