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Antique Magnifying Glasses

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Georgian Ouroboros Snake Quizzing Glass on Gold Muff Chain
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
An Outstanding Georgian c.1800 Quizzing (reading, magnifying) glass. The glass mounted in chased
Category

Early 19th Century British Georgian Antique Magnifying Glasses

Materials

9k Gold

  • 1
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Antique Magnifying Glasses For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of antique magnifying glasses is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct antique magnifying glasses — often made from metal, glass and brass — can elevate any home. There are all kinds of antique magnifying glasses available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Victorian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco antique magnifying glasses are consistently popular styles. Many antique magnifying glasses are appealing in their simplicity, but William Yates, Crisford Norris and John Biggin produced popular antique magnifying glasses that are worth a look.

How Much are Antique Magnifying Glasses?

Antique magnifying glasses can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $629, while the lowest priced sells for $55 and the highest can go for as much as $12,500.
Questions About Antique Magnifying Glasses
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The use of magnifying glasses is linked as far back as the ancient Egyptians. In Egypt, they used crystals or other shiny stones to view small objects better. However, the first magnifying glass crafted for scientific purposes is believed to be designed by Roger Bacon, an English philosopher during the 13th century. Browse a wide selection of vintage magnifying glasses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A magnifying glass can also be called a loupe. The loupe is a small magnifying device that helps the user see small details. You’ll find a variety of magnifying glasses or loupes from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    The best magnifying glass should be lightweight, have a large diameter, provide a wide viewing area, and offer high, distortion-free magnification. However, finding one unit that offers all of these attributes is almost impossible. Shop a range of antique and vintage magnifying glasses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    For coin collectors, a magnifying glass range of 10X to 30X is standard. At this range, you can easily examine mint markings and imperfections as well as grade coins. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity when collecting coins. 1stDibs partners with only top-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    Mercury glass, often known as "silvered glass," is an antique decorative art glass made by glassmakers in Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), England and America from the mid-nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. These are blown glass artworks with hollow interiors, the majority of which are double-walled.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 10, 2025
    There are many famous antique glass companies. Some examples include Baccarat, Barovier, Christofle, Emile Galle, Lalique, La Rochere, Mappin Webb, Muller Frères and Moser. To be considered antique, glassware must be at least 100 years old. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of antique glass.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
    An antique piece of stained glass could range in price from $2,000 to $100,000 depending on the style, its condition and much more. It is used in making decorative windows and other objects through which light passes. Find a collection of vintage antique stained glass on 1stDibs.