antique kaleidoscope

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by Shannon Yashcheshen, Aug 26, 2018.

  1. Shannon Yashcheshen

    Shannon Yashcheshen New Member

    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.

    77D1C015-5BA6-4F46-BFD1-2A2D90010C0C.jpeg

    EBB22DB4-4B91-4418-960C-3049F3908A4B.jpeg

    Thanks
     
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  2. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    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
     
  3. Shannon Yashcheshen

    Shannon Yashcheshen New Member

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

    Shannon Yashcheshen New Member

    The seller said it was from the 20s-30s
     
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  5. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    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

    Forum Kaleidoscope.jpg
     
  6. Shannon Yashcheshen

    Shannon Yashcheshen New Member

    Not similar no.
     
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  7. Shannon Yashcheshen

    Shannon Yashcheshen New Member

    I lightened the photo a bit
     

    Attached Files:

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  8. Hollyblue

    Hollyblue Well-Known Member

    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.
     
  9. Shannon Yashcheshen

    Shannon Yashcheshen New Member

    Good to know. Thanks.
     
  10. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    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.
     
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  11. Aquitaine

    Aquitaine Is What It IS! But NEVER BORED!

    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!!!)
     
  12. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

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

    Shannon Yashcheshen New Member

    Thanks so much for your help everyone :) Much appreciated. I’m going to fix it :)
     
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  14. Shannon Yashcheshen

    Shannon Yashcheshen New Member

     
  15. Shannon Yashcheshen

    Shannon Yashcheshen New Member

    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 :)
     
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  16. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    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!
     
  17. Shannon Yashcheshen

    Shannon Yashcheshen New Member

     
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  18. Shannon Yashcheshen

    Shannon Yashcheshen New Member

    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 :)
     
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  19. Barn Owl

    Barn Owl Well-Known Member

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

    Shannon Yashcheshen New Member

     
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