Miniature telescopic ring (c. 1820)

A French gold ring, circa 1820, which pulls open to reveal a so-called Galilean telescope with a combination of a convex or converging lens and a dispersing lens. Designed as ‘toys’ or amusements for the wealthy, these miniature telescopes were found hidden in fans and perfume bottles as well as in pieces of jewellery. A pendant with a telescope is in the British Museum and a similar ring is in the Koch collection.

Posted at encyclopaedia sardonica, via My Ear-Trumpet Has Been Struck by Lightning.