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Lot 182:
Description
An assortment of vintage and antique curiosities, scientific instruments, and personal accessories presented in a distressed wooden case. The collection includes a circular desk barometer housed in a tan leather-bound case within a chrome-plated stirrup-style frame, the white dial featuring markings for RAIN, CHANGE, and FAIR. Optical instruments consist of a large circular hand magnifier with a faceted black handle and a pair of folding lorgnettes in a gold-tone metal frame with a spring mechanism. Souvenir items include a cast metal picture frame embossed with NEW YORK at the top and various locations including Broadway, United Nations Building, Harlem, Greenwich Village, and Soho along the base. Also included is a small blue textile pouch with a gold-tone cord marked RHODES with a central eye motif, and four miniature plastic troll figures with synthetic hair. Personal utility items comprise a rectangular metal hip flask with a brown leather sleeve, a collection of metal whistles including one with scrolling foliate decoration and one standard cylindrical type, a small oval enamel box decorated with a polychrome floral spray on a blue ground, and a pair of silver-toned metal dress clips with decorative openwork floral links. Further items include a small folding pocket knife with light-coloured handle scales, a small circular metal tin embossed FRENCH CHALK, a gold-tone mesh purse, a small metal scoop, and various metal picks. A small lathe-turned wooden barrel-shaped container features brass bands and an inset brass plaque engraved with the words PRESENTED TO MR & MRS. The wooden storage box features a hinged lid and simple rectangular construction.
Condition report:
The collection shows varying degrees of age-related wear consistent with use. Metal components across the lot exhibit tarnish and surface oxidation. Leather elements on the barometer and flask show scuffing and minor cracking. The magnifying glass lens displays surface haze and dust accumulation. The wooden box is in a distressed state with significant scratches, finish loss, and structural wear. Scientific and mechanical instruments, including the barometer and lorgnettes, appear complete but have not been tested for accuracy or functional performance.
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