Lot 290

(2pc) 19th Cent. British Regency W. Harris & Ruthven Telescopic Kaleidoscopes

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(2pc) 19th Cent. British Regency W. Harris & Ruthven Telescopic Kaleidoscopes

Estimate: $100 - $500

Current Bid: $50

(4 Bids)

by Akiba Galleries
June 23, 2026 11:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
3 N. Federal Highway
Dania Beach, FL, US 33004

(2pc) 19th Cent. British Regency W. Harris & Ruthven Telescopic Kaleidoscopes
Circa 1818 to 1830. British
Two British Regency period Kaleidoscope group including:
(1)Scottish piece retailed by John Ruthven of Edinburgh around 1818–1820, one of the very few elite mechanics personally authorized or commissioned by Brewster(inventor of the kaleidoscope) to manufacture and retail his patent telescopic kaleidoscopes. Marked "J.Ruthven of Edinburgh"
(1)Harris & Co. When the "kaleidoscope craze" swept Britain in the late 1810s, they manufactured premium, leather-bound, and brass versions of the instruments for wealthy buyers. "Marked Harris & Co., London, 50 Holborn"
Provenance: Private New York, NY Estate

  • Dimensions: L:10 3/4" Diameter: 2 1/8" / L: 10 3/8" Diameter: 1 1/2"
  • Condition: Good overall condition. Showing minor signs of wear

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $24,999 $1,000
$25,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $249,999 $10,000
$250,000 + $25,000