Hermès Desk Magnifying Glass

A silver plated hand held magnifying glass desk accessory.  This is a beautifully made piece that is also very functional.  The magnification of the lens is quite strong, so anything placed beneath is brought to a very legible size. The piece is also quite heavy due to the thick piece of glass and the solid twisted rope handle design, therefore making it a great paperweight as well.  The handle is thick enough making it comfortable and sturdy to use.  This shape, more rectangular, is more suited to reading as it will expand text along lines on most pages, and has a wider viewing range to a more conventional round lens. The piece was made by the French manufacturers Ravinet D'Enfert for Hermès.  They were large scale silversmiths in France and were contracted by Hermès to make home goods for the luxury atelier during the mid 20th Century.   The piece is fully singed on the side of the frame.  Condition is perfect throughout, having been fully restored.  Made in France, circa 1960's.