Early Nineteenth Century Meniscus Lens Gallery Glass or Library Glass

For sale, a very large early Nineteenth Century Gallery Glass or Library Glass

A really interesting example, expertly fashioned from a single piece of mahogany with no joins between the handle and the lens bezel. In differentiation from the normal bi-convex lens this has a huge eight inch convex-concave or meniscus lens retained against the body by means of a circular mahogany slip fitted on top of the lens after it has been inserted into the one piece body.

An unusual but effective method of construction which gives the piece a rather “looking glass” aesthetic

One of the largest of its type that I have handled measuring ten inches in diameter and with the unusual construction and lens combination, a really interesting variation. The lens remains in fantastic condition.

A very imposing magnifier which would have been used in either a library or gallery setting to allow closer visual inspection.