A wonderful “Quizzer” or portable magnifying glass.

Whilst magnifiers had been in existence since the 12th Century, it wasn’t until the early 18th Century that they were worn in pendant fashion around the neck.

This quizzer is comprised of bevelled magnifying glass set in ornate yellow cased gold metal work decorated with a serpentine or snakelike style. 

Snake themed decoration was used to symbolise immortality.

The smaller “ handle “ above the glass operated as a bale where ribbon or a chain could be threaded through to allow the piece to be worn pendant style.

In the Regency period these were the fashionable accessory of the aristocrat or Dandy.

Their name is derived from the appearance of someone scrutinising a person or object through the glass in a quizzical manner.

This piece is in wonderful condition.

Highly functional and decorative.

Circa 1820. 

Metal: cased 9ct yellow gold.

Bevelled glass magnifying glass.

Dimensions: top to bottom 8 cm

Maximum width : 3.5 cm

NGP38c

Total weight : 11.6gm

NGP38a