Sterling Silver-Handled Magnifying Glass by C.H. Beatson, c. 1937 | Vintage English Desk Magnifier

For the reader … a charming vintage English magnifying glass with a sterling silver handle by C.H. Beatson of Sheffield, hallmarked for 1937.  The 4-1/2-inch handle shows a repeating acanthus-leaf scroll with beaded borders—an ornamental pattern borrowed from 19th-century cutlery motifs. Paired with a 2-1/2-inch glass, it has the compact, practical size typical of desk magnifiers from the interwar period, and would be well-suited for use on a gentleman’s writing desk or side table.

The firm of C.H. Beatson worked from Moor Head Works in Sheffield through the 1930s, supplying hallmarked silver pieces to cutlers and stationers who retailed them under their own shop names. His registered marks appear on small desk and table tools—magnifiers, letter openers, and cutlery fittings—that were produced for outfitters and specialty shops rather than direct sale. 

Dimensions: 4-1/2” (Handle) x 2-1/2” x 5/16” (Glass); total length 7”
Weight: 2.6 oz.

Condition notes: Excellent vintage condition overall. Lens is clear and bright with no scratches, cracks or chips. Steel rim and collar show light surface marks from gentle use. Hallmarked sterling silver handle is clean and secure, made as a silver shell over a fixed core (a common construction for interwar desk pieces), showing very light surface wear consistent with age but no dents, splits, lifting, or compression. Hallmarks on one side read: CHB, Sheffield town mark, lion passant, and date letter “P”; the other side bears the lion passant and same date letter.  All components fit tightly with no looseness or movement.  Piece has been lightly cleaned and polished.  Other items in photos not included.

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