18th Century Oval Mother-of-pearl And Silver Folding Magnifying Glass

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18th Century Oval Mother-of-pearl And Silver Folding Magnifying Glass

This precious pocket magnifying glass consists of a case made up of two mother-of-pearl shells joined by molded silver palmettes. Into this, a magnifying glass, set in a molded silver frame, pivots on an axis. In the 18th century, mother-of-pearl was highly prized for its iridescent reflections. It was used as inlay in marquetry but also in goldsmithing, jewelry and haberdashery.

The object does not bear any hallmarks, tested with a touchstone.
England, 18th century, circa 1760-80

Note: Small chip on the edge of a mother-of-pearl plate.
The glass clicks in the frame.

Dimensions 6cm x 4.7cm x 1.3cm folded, 12cm unfolded
Weight 54g

420 €