2-mirror 45° kaleidoscope
Datecirca 1880
Inventory NumberDW0982
ClassificationKaleidoscope
Subject
Maker
G. M.
circa 1880
Cultural Region
Dimensions6.8 × 8.7 × 8.3 cm (2 11/16 × 3 7/16 × 3 1/4 in.)
Material
DescriptionA pair of silver metal mirrors are mounted in a triangular-shaped wooden frame. The mirrors are set at 45-degree angles. The frame has an opening through which to view the image in the mirrors.
The original triangular box has a lid. The top of the lid, which is separated from the rest of the lid, has instructions for using the instrument as a kaleidoscope.
The original triangular box has a lid. The top of the lid, which is separated from the rest of the lid, has instructions for using the instrument as a kaleidoscope.
Signedstamped on vertex of wood frame: G. M. / BREVETE S.G.D.G.
on box lid: G.M. Breveté S.G.D.G.
Inscribedon box lid: "MOYEN / de s'en servir. / On pose l'ouverture trian / gulaire sur un objet quelconque; / sur un petit dessin; des bouts de / fil coloriés, des petits morceaux / de broderies, des petites fleurs ou / tout autre objet avec cet instrument / on obtiendra un dessin compliqué et par= / faitement regulier. Aussi avec un simple grif= / fonnage on obtiendra tous les ornemens voulus / Ne pas toucher à la plaque S.V.P.
FunctionThis kaleidoscope displayed a mandala of 8-fold symmetry of whatever was placed underneath. It worked best when placed flat on a piece of paper. The instructions (in French) are transcribed in the Inscription field.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland purchased from Alain Brieux, Paris, May 15, 1964 (lot 16/2). Donated to CHSI 1985.
L. E. Knott Apparatus Company
Date: circa 1900
Object number: 1996-1-0592
English
Date: 1715-1720
Accessories: solar filter; lens; awl; dust caps.
Object number: 5002
American
Date: circa 1940
Object number: 1998-1-0638
Zeiss-Aerotopograph
Date: circa 1950
Accessories: instrument is in original wood storage/carrying case. listed accessories: base plate, mirrors (2) and tubular holders (2), anchors (2), prism yoke, monocular adapter, lighting set with bulbs (3, one currently in lamp, its box in box of 2009-1-0002b), 2 monoculars (4 or 6 power) [6x24 (infinite) L or R Zeiss aerotopo logo), "fork"-shaped support (V rather), green filters (2) , dioptre lenses (2), strabismus-correcting lenses (2), photo holder, permanent magnets (8)
Object number: 2009-1-0002a