Rare and Beautiful Charles G. Bush Table Parlor Kaleidoscope
Original C.G. Bush & Co. c. 1870s
Please view numerous photos at the bottom of listing for an accurate depiction. Offered is a rare and incredibly beautiful Charles G. Bush designed Kaleidoscope. Charles G. Bush (1825-1900) born in Prussia and in 1847, he then immigrated to Plymouth, Massachusetts he pursued his interest in optics: microscopes, telescopes, cameras and kaleidoscopes. In 1873-1874, he obtained three patents for his innovative kaleidoscope designs and for 30 years he was the leading producer of parlor kaleidoscopes in workshops in Boston, Massachusetts; Claremont, New Hampshire and Providence, Rhode Island. Relatively few original Bush kaleidoscopes remain in existence and they are among the most sought-after antique kaleidoscopes. The C.G. Bush & Co. is estimated to have produced somewhat less than 8,000 kaleidoscopes. Most noteworthy about the Bush kaleidoscopes were the glass pieces contained in the object case. Bush had a basic mix of about 35 pieces, a third of which were liquid filled ampules. Both the solid and liquid-filled glass pieces were of brilliant and well-chosen colors, and the endless patterns they formed were the finest of any 19th century kaleidoscope. The kaleidoscope is made of a cardboard tubular barrel covered with brown pebbled stamped paper, with a cylindrical eye piece at one end, and with brass-mounted chamber box/object case on the other end turned by hand with 6-brass spokes. The object case contains the most beautiful multi-colored glass twists and rods, metal screen, cuts of German sheet glass in various forms, and his famous liquid-filled ampules, patented in 1873 - all of which are exposed to light through the 3-inch lens, revealing changing geometric patterns when rotated. Kaleidoscope sits on a downward angle on a turned mahogany stand with central baluster standard and flared dish base. Brass object case is stamped: "C. G. BUSH & CO./ PROV. R.I./ PATENT REISSUED/ NOV. 11, 1873”, see photo. The condition is very good original with the usual overall wear and a slight crease on one side off the barrel, which in no way affects the visibility, please see photos to get an accurate depiction of the item you are bidding on, exterior, glass objects, brass and wood. It is missing one of the brass spokes used to turn the chamber box and is slightly bent where the spoke was located - This in no way hinders the operation of this delicate kaleidoscope, please see detailed photos. Some light chipping, paint specks and flaking to cardboard. Brass is uniformly tarnished and wood stand and bade has normal wear associated with careful use and age. Kaleidoscope measures approximately: 14" High Payment is due within 3 days of close of the auction. Item is being sold "As-Is". Return will only be accepted because of my listing error. I want my buyers to be happy and make every effort to list items with proper descriptions and photos. Please make sure to view all of the photos and ask questions before bidding. Kaleidoscope will be carefully packed; double boxed and shipped UPS or FedEx Ground. Insurance is required and will be added to the total after auction end, please do not pay before receiving my invoice. International bidders welcome, but any duty/taxes are the responsibility of buyer. All bidders should check shipping costs prior to bidding. Thanks and good luck bidding! Please view my other items for more Art Deco Items, Radios, Plaskon, Catalin, and Bakelite Items.
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