Bell & Brothers
Magnifying Glass

Public Domain

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Images(2)

Retailer Bell & Brothers(American, c. 1860–c. 1895)American, c. 1860–c. 1895

CultureFrench

Titles

Magnifying Glass

Datec. 1890–1895

Retailed inSan Antonio, Texas, United States

Made inFrance

MediumSilver with gilding and glass

Dimensions7 1/4 × 3 1/8 × 5/16 in. (18.4 × 7.9 × 0.8 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of William J. Hill

Object numberB.2018.40

Not on view

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Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

TOOLS, IMPLEMENTS & WEIGHTS

DescriptionThe firm of Bell and Brothers of San Antonio, Texas, retailed this magnifying glass. At the time it was sold, stores like Bell and Brothers carried extensive assortments of silverware, jewelry, watches, and “fancy goods.” Almost all their manufacturing had ceased, and they operated overwhelmingly as retail establishments.
ProvenanceWilliam J. Hill (1934–2018), Houston; given to MFAH, 2018.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

[no inscriptions]

Marked on bezel: FRANCE / STERLING
Marked on handle: FRANCE

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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