Search 0
26,393  PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 29 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS
Sorted by
Per page
DEALER LOGIN
Selling Antiques Logo
0
Saved
29 ITEMS ADDED TODAY
Home
Return
Dealer Login
500+ Shops
Dealers
Newly Added
0
Saved
Sort Order
Items Per Page
sellingantiques.co.uk
Browse Categories
Sort order
Relevant Links
Items per page
ID #SA1232106
FOR SALE
£175
Email Buy
Save
Vintage Brass Casartelli Manchester Linen Tester Loupe with Measuring Scale – Circa 1905
Kingsdown Antiques
for sale €205     $222
£175
Kingsdown Antiques

Kingsdown Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2015
View Dealers Stock Page
  • About Us
    Trustworthy reliable professional. Free UK & worldwide shipping
Relevant Links
Id #SA1232106
PDF SHARE
SAVE

Vintage Brass Casartelli Manchester Linen Tester Loupe with Measuring Scale – Circa 1905

1900 - 1920
Description

A Nice Vintage Cased Brass Linen Tester Loupe. The design combines a circular magnifying lens with an integrated measuring scale, intended for close inspection and basic gauging. The hinged frame folds down neatly, making it practical for carrying in a pocket, workbox, or desk drawer. The original-style fitted case with red velvet lining provides both protection and attractive presentation for display – circa 1905.

* A satisfying piece of practical engineering, made to fold away as neatly as it opens.

Measurements:

Height (standing): 2 1/2" (approx. 6cm)

Width: 1 1/2" (approx. 4cm)

Weight of item: 161g

Total weight (including case): 201g

In good condition – The brass shows only general surface wear and patina consistent with age and careful handling.

Physical Dimensions
Height
6cm (2.36")
Width
4cm (1.57")
Declaration

Kingsdown Antiques has dated this Brass Linen Tester Loupe to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1232106
Dealers Internal Reference
KD53385
Dealers Notes

***IMPORTANT NOTE***

Dear customers,

Just a quick note to let you know that I’ll be on vacation from Saturday, 22nd August 2026 through to Wednesday, 26th August 2026, so the shop will be closed during this time.

If you have an order already in process, please rest assured I’ll be keeping a close eye on any messages relating to it - and I’ll address any issues as soon as I can. Items are still available to purchase, and all new orders received while I’m away will be processed promptly when the shop reopens on Wednesday, 26th August 2026.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Warmest wishes,

Jozef

Kingsdown Antiques

FREE WORLDWIDE DELIVERY

FREE UK DELIVERY

We are a father and son antiques business with over 40 years of experience. We love what we do and we hope you will love it too.

We offer Free Worldwide Delivery, expertly packaging each item to ensure its safe arrival. With extensive experience shipping across the globe, we offer a smooth and worry-free delivery process.

We accept payment via PayPal, Bank Transfer or Card. Please get in contact with us if you would like to buy multiple items at once. We reply to all queries promptly.

Please contact us directly at enquiries@kingsdownantiques.com with any questions or enquiries. If you have not heard back from us, please check your spam folder, as our reply may occasionally be filtered there.

Description
A Nice Vintage Cased Brass Linen Tester Loupe.
“
The design combines a circular magnifying lens with an integrated measuring scale, intended for close inspection and basic gauging.
Kingsdown Antiques

The hinged frame folds down neatly, making it practical for carrying in a pocket, workbox, or desk drawer. The original-style fitted case with red velvet lining provides both protection and attractive presentation for display – circa 1905.

fig 1. A vintage Edwardian folding brass linen tester loupe with a glass lens and measuring scale engraved on the base plate.
fig 1. Vintage Brass Casartelli Manchester Linen Tester Loupe with Measuring Scale – Circa 1905

A satisfying piece of practical engineering, made to fold away as neatly as it opens.

Measurements:

Height (standing): 2 1/2" (approx. 6cm)

Width: 1 1/2" (approx. 4cm)

Weight of item: 161g

Total weight (including case): 201g

In good condition – The brass shows only general surface wear and patina consistent with age and careful handling.

Height
6cm (2.36")
Width
4cm (1.57")
Date of Manufacture

Kingsdown Antiques has dated this Brass Linen Tester Loupe to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1232106
Dealers Internal Ref
KD53385
Kingsdown Antiques
Kingsdown Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2015

Trustworthy reliable professional. Free UK & worldwide shipping

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Kingsdown Antiques Profile Page

PDF SHARE
SAVE
A vintage Edwardian folding brass linen tester loupe with a glass lens and measuring scale engraved on the base plate.
1 / 13
Archive I A vintage Edwardian folding brass linen tester loupe with a glass lens and measuring scale engraved on the base plate.

Vintage Brass Casartelli Manchester Linen Tester Loupe with Measuring Scale – Circa 1905

Archive II A vintage Edwardian folding brass linen tester loupe with a glass lens and measuring scale engraved on the base plate. View II
Archive III A vintage Edwardian folding brass linen tester loupe with a glass lens and measuring scale engraved on the base plate. View III
Archive IV A vintage Edwardian folding brass linen tester loupe with a glass lens and measuring scale engraved on the base plate. View IV
Archive V A vintage Edwardian folding brass linen tester loupe with a glass lens and measuring scale engraved on the base plate. View V
Archive VI A vintage Edwardian folding brass linen tester loupe with a glass lens and measuring scale engraved on the base plate. View VI
Archive VII A vintage Edwardian folding brass linen tester loupe with a glass lens and measuring scale engraved on the base plate. View VII
Archive VIII A vintage Edwardian folding brass linen tester loupe with a glass lens and measuring scale engraved on the base plate. View VIII
Archive IX A vintage Edwardian folding brass linen tester loupe with a glass lens and measuring scale engraved on the base plate. View IX
Archive X A vintage Edwardian folding brass linen tester loupe with a glass lens and measuring scale engraved on the base plate. View X
Archive XI A vintage Edwardian folding brass linen tester loupe with a glass lens and measuring scale engraved on the base plate. View XI
Archive XII A vintage Edwardian folding brass linen tester loupe with a glass lens and measuring scale engraved on the base plate. View XII
Archive XIII A vintage Edwardian folding brass linen tester loupe with a glass lens and measuring scale engraved on the base plate. View XIII
Enlarged Archival View
Kingsdown Antiques

Kingsdown Antiques
Telephone 07402 643497
Location
Bristol
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/denby
Verified Since Jun 2015
Items For Sale 271
Items Sold 2,998
Kingsdown Antiques
Kingsdown Antiques
Verified Since Jun 2015
View Dealer Info
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/denby
Verified
Jun 2015
For Sale
271
Sold
2,998
A vintage Edwardian folding brass linen tester loupe with a glass lens and measuring scale engraved on the base plate.
Vintage Brass Casartelli Manchester Linen Tester Loupe With Measuring Scale – circa 1905
Ref: SA1232106
A vintage Edwardian folding brass linen tester loupe with a glass lens and measuring scale engraved on the base plate.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Detail View 9
Detail View 10
Detail View 11
Detail View 12
Archival Detail

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

FAQs

A linen tester is a specialised magnifying glass originally designed to measure weave density and count threads in textiles. Invented in the nineteenth century, these folding devices became essential tools for linen merchants and textile inspectors.

Historical linen testers were predominantly engineered from solid brass, bronze, or nickel-plated metals fitted with thick glass optical lenses. The folding frame allowed the instrument to collapse flat while maintaining a fixed focal length when opened.

Genuine period pieces typically feature maker marks or city stamps engraved directly into the metal frame alongside mechanical hinges and metric or imperial scales on the base plate. Natural surface oxidisation, age-appropriate glass wear, and precise brass joinery further indicate authenticity.

Small scientific instruments serve as compelling decorative accents when arranged on an office desk, displayed inside a glass cabinet, or positioned atop stacked art books on a bookshelf alongside other brass items.

Preserve the original patina by dusting gently with a dry microfibre cloth and avoiding abrasive liquid polishes. Clean the optical glass lens using a specialised lens cloth dampened slightly with distilled water.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Movements
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Freshness
Online Payments
Categories