I now have the mirrors - both are 8.5" and around 40mm thick. There are many surface scratches and scuffs on both and light will shine through from the rear in a number of places. Though I have an untrained eye, one appears just good enough to use in the first instance. The two flats both definitely need to be done before use.

The flat that is fixed onto its holder appears to be done so with a layer of green felt/baize and glue and there is sign of the same on the back of the other mirror. I think that carefully running a hacksaw blade back and forth down between the mirror and holder will slowly remove this material and separate the mirror.

When I send the first primary away for testing, I am also considering whether or not to obtain a test report - primarily out of interest, but it may prove useful if/when I come to sell.

The better of the two primaries measures somewhere between f/7.57 and f/7.575.

Secondaries sent off for re-coating.

Coating complete, paid for. In the post next week.

Secondaries received.

On closer inspection (!) one of the primaries is not full thickness. They are 40mm and 24mmm respectively. I found this out when I removed one from the cell it came in, in order to wash it. It has the better surface of the two and is the one I am using in the first OTA.

Fascination blog! What was the end result?

John