Description

A fine and rare Culpeper-type compound monocular signed “Wm. Harris & Co., 50 Holborn, LONDON & Hamburg(h)”sic.

Custom order with brass bound corners to the base (export?). Full sized (15 inch) with pull out drawer and a near complete compliment of accessories (sans stage bullseye and one objective). 90% original lacquer, exquisite diagonal roping of the brass and original trade label in door of the pryramidal case measuring 16 x 7 x 7 inches at the base. Original hinges and lock (no key-will search).

Faults: slight loss of silvering to mirror, 3 teeth missing from the rack at bottom but engages above this area of bad repair attempt, small corner loss from rear of case.

In 40 years of collecting/dealing, I have NEVER seen this base modification (brass bound) nor this address.

William Harris and Co. existed at 50 Holborn for over 20 years (1816-1839)  and employed a Mr.W. Campbell in Hamburg, Germany (note old English spelling error on stage and trade  label). Major fire in Hamburg in 1842 may have ended this alliance of trade (c.1820).