Lot Essay
A very similar object with the same 'Ribright' signature and patent inscription is in the Louvre (see S. Grandjean, Les tabatières du musée du Louvre, Paris, 1981, pp. 325-326, no. 515).
.jpg?w=1)
ENGRAVED 'RIBRIGHT OPTICIAN FECIT LONDON' AND 'BY YE KINGS ROYAL PATENT'
Details
A GEORGE II-STYLE GOLD-MOUNTED HARDSTONE SPY-GLASS AND NÉCESSAIRE
engraved 'RIBRIGHT OPTICIAN FECIT LONDON' and 'BY YE KINGS ROYAL PATENT'
Tubular bloodstone case, the sides of the independent cover and base applied with a pierced, stamped and embossed gold cagework of floral garlands, reeded c-scrolls and foliage, reeded gold mounts, the cover and base with sliding tablets to open the upper and lower spy-glass holes, the inside of the base fitted with steel scissors with half-gold folding handles, two-leaved tablets, a gold ear-spoon, a silver-topped gold pencil-holder with pencil, a gold folding-knife with steel blade, gold tweezers with steel nail file and small tooth-grater incorporated in the handle
4 3/16 in. (107 mm.) high
engraved 'RIBRIGHT OPTICIAN FECIT LONDON' and 'BY YE KINGS ROYAL PATENT'
Tubular bloodstone case, the sides of the independent cover and base applied with a pierced, stamped and embossed gold cagework of floral garlands, reeded c-scrolls and foliage, reeded gold mounts, the cover and base with sliding tablets to open the upper and lower spy-glass holes, the inside of the base fitted with steel scissors with half-gold folding handles, two-leaved tablets, a gold ear-spoon, a silver-topped gold pencil-holder with pencil, a gold folding-knife with steel blade, gold tweezers with steel nail file and small tooth-grater incorporated in the handle
4 3/16 in. (107 mm.) high
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.