A Magnificent William Leigh Kaleidoscope

English, the cylindrical brass body with rack-and-pinion and worm-screw geared mechanism, with ivory tipped winding handle activating two periphery geared collar tubes which rotate at different speeds, fitted with a two sliding levers, each scale engraved from 6-12, which change the angle of the two internal mirrors, supported on a compass joint with rack-work viewing angle adjustment, supported on a turned mahogany stand with telescopic height adjustment and screw clamp, on a tripod base with ivory casters which have leveling screws with acorn finials. The base with inner and outer silver plated rings, the outer ring engraved "1. Who could, from thy outward case, Half thy hidden beauties trace? 2. Who, from such exterior show, Guess the gems within that glow! 3. Emblem of the mind divine, Cased within its mortal shrine." The inner ring engraved "W. Leigh Newton Maker". With approximately twenty various cut-glass discs and six interchangeable periphery geared collar tubes. Height adjustable from 42cm, 16 1/2", to 54cm, 21 1/4 " A magnificent and unique kaleidoscope made by the clockmaker William Leigh. It was probably made as a special commission for an important client. No other instrument is known or is recorded in any scientific directory. It was described by the Brewster Society in one of their bulletins as the most beautiful kaleidoscope ever made. See: Martin Roenigk, The Brewster Society, “Newscope”, Vol. 2, Number 1 Spring 1987. Provenance: Sotheby’s London, September 21, 2000, lot 61 and Sotheby’s London, March 10, 1987, lot 6