Photo by David Friend Productions, San Diego, California
EXCEPTIONAL EARLY SHAGREEN & SHEFFIELD PLATE KALEIDOSCOPE
16-001. English, after 1817, unsigned. Made of shagreen covered brass, 6 1/2" long overall x 1 1/8" diameter, with sterling silver plated fittings and 7 interchangeable object cases. The object cases contain a variety of brightly colored glass pieces, beads, pieces of rough amethyst, or brass wire. One of the object cases can be opened and filled by the user. The eyepiece contains a low power lens, and the mirrors are set for 6-fold symmetry. The original 10 1/4" x 2 3/4" x 2" hand dovetailed fitted mahogany case has slots for the 7 object cases and a compartment for the user's collection of glass pieces, beads, etc. This beautiful early kaleidoscope and its case are both in very fine overall condition. The kaleidoscope was patented by David Brewster in 1817; this exceptional instrument was certainly made very soon after that.
