This hand held magnifier measures only 2 3/4 inches in length and is in excellent condition. The bone handle is detachable from the brass body which consists of two individual Stanhope type lenses. The magnification is powerful and it can be used as a simple microscope. Either lens can be unscrewed so that an object can be confined and viewed in close contact with the lens while handheld in the light. This was useful in the scientific study of plants, crystals, and bugs as well as in the medical field to examine body fluids.
Similar hand held microscopes are pictured in the “Priced and Illustrated Catalogue Optical Instruments, Made, Imported and Sold, Wholesale and Retail by James W. Queen & Co.,” Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Feb. 1, 1879, page 104.
This is a functional magnifier as well as an object to be included in a collection of antique scientific and optical related items. Selling with NO RESERVE!