Optical Instruments > Magnifying Glasses and Lenses

Magnifying Glass Silver and Chrome 1896

Item#: OIM1263

SOLD

 

Magnifying Glass Silver and Chrome 1896 - click to enlarge.

This is a silver and chrome small sized English magnifying glass 7.5 cm (3 inches) in diameter. The handle is beautifully decorated with foliate and geometric patterns. It is marked Sheffield 1896 (The small letter d) and maker's mark G H for Harrison Brothers & Howson. George Howson joined Thomas Sansom & Sons as an apprentice in 1803. He had worked tirelessly and by the 1840's he had become influential in the company. He died in 1847. After his death the chief partners were Willian Howson (1824-1884, George's son) and two brothers William Harrison (1816-1897) and James Harrison (1825-1893). The company lasted through the two World Wars and was bought by Viners in 1959. The glass itself was made by Hilkinson.