Charles G. Bush Parlor Kaleidoscope, 19th Century

Originally from Prussia, Charles G. Bush began his career in his father's rope business. In 1847, he settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and while continuing to manage the rope business, he also pursued his activities in optics (telescopes, cameras, microscopes, and kaleidoscopes). He carried out his work on kaleidoscopes with his daughter, who was his closest partner; he obtained three patents for innovative designs. For 30 years, he was the leading producer of parlor kaleidoscopes in Boston, Providence, and Claremont (producing approximately 8,000 units). This device consists of a tubular cardboard barrel covered in paper with an eyepiece at one end and a camera mounted on brass. At the other end are six spokes (one is missing on our example) for manual rotation. The camera box contains multicolored glass rods, a grid, glass twists, and ampoules filled with colored liquids (patented in 1873). In good working order, one manipulator radius is missing, the rear brass foot is height-adjustable (low position in the photo). Engraved C. BUSH & CO/ PROV. RI / PATENT REISSUED: NOV 11-1873