Jason Clarke Antiques has dated this piece to the 1800s.
The barrel is covered in a tooled Morocco leather, both this and the brass lacquer remain in superb condition throughout.
The magnifier is enclosed in its original two-part card and Morocco leather covered case with original blue silk vevet interior.
Sadly this example is unmarked but the quality is of the best order. Most antique desk magnifiers seen on the market today are actually lenses from magic lanterns and although they are perfectly suited for the job, it is rare to find an example which was intentionally produced for the purpose.
A rare survivor in superb condition and which remains supremely useful if your eyesight is degrading as quickly as mine!
Circa 1820
Jason Clarke Antiques has dated this piece to the 1800s.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Jason Clarke Antiques Profile Page
Georgian Cased Desk Magnifier or Map Magnifier
