Brewster Kaleidoscope

after the principle was patented by Sir David Brewster in 1817 the Kaleidoscope became an overnight bestseller, with an estimated two hundred thousand instruments sold in London and Paris during 3 months. The offered hexagonal Kaleidoscope is made of domino paper covered cardboard, the front and rear part is sewed to the body with thread, inside three inclined mirrors and a diffusion screen made of etched glass, filled with pieces of coloured glass. This Kaleidoscope very likely is of American provenience and from its condition and appearance we believe it dates from the 1850s. The edges show some wear and are brittle, the paper is partly faded due water damage but still a beautiful and early piece. Height: 19cm. Ex-Naylor Collection.