magnifier ..but need help with use

Only an inch high in it’s container and I would love to know what it is for. Thanks

 

Sometimes call a botanical microscope,though there are many uses...... https://m.skinnerinc.com/m/auctions/2555M/lots/5

 

ohh, that's cute...
so...meant to lay flat.....at a fixed length....i'd think fabric....but that hole is very very limiting...
can you see any markings on the brass when u look thru it ????

Ooops....wait !!

LINEN TESTING AND THREAD COUNTING MICROSCOPES

 

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https://www.microscope-antiques.com/linen.html

 

I use the one sitting one to the right of the brass bit at 9 o'clock. It's black; mine has some of the paint worn off because at least three generations have found a use for it. I have one around somewhere like the piece at 5 o'clock too. They're called rug magnifiers or botanicals, or stamp magnifiers at least in my family. Useful little buggers. They tend to have really good lenses and the fixed distance ones are great to shoot photos through if need be. I use mine to shoot jewelry marks; it works like a charm.

 

I have been told they are also used for counting dots to check printing of images. I have several old magnifiers I think were for examining photo negatives.

 

Amazing. Thank you very much. No markings at all. Finally know what it is

 

yes a linen tester.