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We are a recycling centre and get a lot of interesting items. We describe to the best of our abilities as we see the item from our unqualified observations, we are not experts and there maybe unforeseen issues. By bidding you are accepting our terms of trade that this item is offered as parts or for repair only. Please read carefully and consider the risks before bidding. We will not remove bids or offer refunds to traders who incorrectly read our listings.

Undoubtedly one of the rarest items that I have ever handled. Common usage was between the 1760's to 1820's. Steel frame with horn or tortoiseshell inserts. No makers marks so I can't be sure that these were made by Martin himself. No breaks or damage as far as I can see. The last two pictures show the lens on a torch.

“Martin’s Margins,” developed by London optician Benjamin Martin in 1756. Martin believed the eyes could be damaged by excessive light, which he reduced by about 30 percent by adding the broad inner frame of horn. (From EARLY AMERICAN LIFE AUGUST 2005)

SKU 3122

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