antique kaleidoscope

Hello,

I recently bought an art nouveau style antique kaleidoscope. I can’t find any info about it. Any info about this item would be greatly appreciated.





Thanks

 

Really hard to see in your photographs. Doesn't appear to be Art Nouveau. Doesn't even appear to be antique. Vintage maybe. Any markings? Is it broken? And aren't this type of kaleidoscope referred to as "jeweled?"

Debora

 

The legs and edge are in the art nouveau style? And it does need to be fixed.

 

The seller said it was from the 20s-30s

 

It's difficult to see the base in your photograph. Here's something (somewhat) similar, described as a "vintage" kaleidoscope. Age not given but, from wood detail, I would imagine 1970s.

Debora

 

Not similar no.

 

I lightened the photo a bit

 

Looks like from the 70's and there were many variations,the broken pieces for the glass wheels looks like pot metal.It would need new frames for the glass wheels unless someone is making generic wheels that would fit yours.

 

Good to know. Thanks.

 

Hello Shannon. Janice Chesnik & her daughter Sheryl Koch began making 2-wheel stained glass kaleidoscopes like this, starting in the 1980s, but many other artisans also adopted this type of construction. I think this is by one of the other makers.

The wheels for this one look beyond repair. It would probably be possible to have new wheels made, using the glass elements from these. An important issue is the condition of the mirrors. If they have become clouded, speckled or knocked out of alignment, you could buy another scope from that period in excellent pre-owned condition for what it would cost you to have this one put back in working order.

I'm afraid the seller misinformed you, I hope out of ignorance & not intentional fraud. It is 1980s at the earliest & in poor condition. The Brewster Society might be able to refer you to someone who could make repairs.

 

My thoughts were that I started seeing these in the '70's but I also could easily be off a few years.......not thinking they are antique at all, sorry to say. Can go downtown Chatham, MA to the shop "Yankee Ingenuity" and buy a few different ones right now.....each a bit different......they definitely are a fun item!! (At least they were there about 6 months ago.....and THAT'S a fun store too!!!)

 

I hope you didn't pay much for this newer bust up item...

 

Thanks so much for your help everyone Much appreciated. I’m going to fix it

 

I paid $40, so not too much, but probably a bit more then it’s worth. It would be cooler if it was antique, but vintage is ok too. I’m going to fix it, which I really like to do

 

If you have the skills to repair it yourself, then you bought yourself a good quality make-your-own-kaleidoscope kit. Hope the mirrors only need dusting. Have fun!

 

Yes, they are clear. I’m an artist and I do stain glass. Just need to learn how to solder. If I mess it up...no loss

 

I like the repousse accents. Even if you can't repair it, it'll still make a lovely decorative item.