Silver pencil with a stanhope of Criccieth

A Stanhope lens is a simple one piece microscope invented by Charles the third Earl of Stanhope 1753-1816. It is an optical device that enables the viewing of microphotographs without the microscope. This particular one shows scenes of Criccieth, Gwynedd, South Wales UK. Stanhopes were put in a number of different items such as sewing accessories pipes and pencils. They have become very collectable and can be quite valuable. You can still pick these wonderful items up for less than £20.00. Neil ps I did my best with the last photo and that took me about 1/2 hour.