Description
This desk accessory is more than just a tool; it’s a testament to the craft and necessity of a time when precision mattered most at sea and on land. The hardwood base offers a solid, dependable footing, supporting a solid brass plate engraved with “Watts & Sons Ltd. Opticians London 1814,” marking its maker and era. Such magnifiers were indispensable for sailors and cartographers, bringing the smallest details of navigational charts into sharp focus,vital for plotting courses and steering clear of hazards. The lens extends to about 10 inches, designed for comfortable use on a desk or chart table, allowing the user to examine fine lines and symbols without strain.
- Approximately 10″ extended.
Fun fact: The optical lenses like this one were carefully ground and polished by craftsmen who combined knowledge of glass properties with the practical demands of navigation, making each lens a unique blend of science and skilled handiwork.
