{"product_id":"english-sheffield-sterling-silver-hand-magnifying-glass-1","title":"English Sheffield Sterling Silver Hand Magnifying Glass","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eElegant English sterling silver hand magnifying glass with an ornate repoussé handle featuring shell, floral rosette, and scrolling foliate decoration in a refined late Victorian to Edwardian taste. The magnifier is fitted with a polished sterling bezel surrounding a clear circular lens. Hallmarked for Sheffield with sterling standard marks and an \"HB\" maker's mark beneath a \"C.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEra\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLikely late Victorian to Edwardian, circa 1895–1915, pending confirmation of the Sheffield date letter cycle.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistory\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSterling silver magnifying glasses became fashionable desk accessories during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, prized for libraries, correspondence desks, and sewing tables. Many were produced by Sheffield silversmiths, whose reputation for finely crafted silverware made these both practical tools and elegant decorative objects.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrivate collection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials\u003cbr\u003eSheffield sterling silver (.925)\u003cbr\u003eGlass lens\u003cbr\u003eHallmarks\u003cbr\u003eSheffield assay office (Crown)\u003cbr\u003eSterling standard (Lion passant)\u003cbr\u003eMaker's mark: C over HB\u003cbr\u003eDate letter: Lower-case \"m\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese marks confirm the piece is English sterling silver assayed in Sheffield. The exact maker and year require comparison of the maker's punch and the shape of the \"m\" cartouche against Sheffield assay records.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions\u003cbr\u003ePlease add overall length.\u003cbr\u003eLens diameter.\u003cbr\u003eDisclaimers\u003cbr\u003eMinor wear consistent with age and use.\u003cbr\u003eSilver retains an attractive aged patina.\u003cbr\u003eLens shows light surface wear but remains functional.\u003cbr\u003eHallmarks are present and legible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50833237213439,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/2affd7bc-cb3b-4f43-b23e-d10dae1af148.png?v=1793200501","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/products\/english-sheffield-sterling-silver-hand-magnifying-glass-1","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}