Antique Cloth Counting Glass w/ Leather Pouch By Casartelli Of Manchester 1900s

This antique cloth counting glass, crafted by the renowned Casartelli of Manchester, is a fascinating piece of textile history from the 1900s. Used by cloth merchants to count the number of threads per unit area of fabric, this magnifying glass is mounted on a folding brass stand and comes with a built-in scale. The slot through which picks or yarns can be counted makes it an essential tool for determining the fineness of textiles.

Condition: Good overall condition. The brass shows a minor patina commensurate with age. The lens is in good order. The leather case/pouch is intact; however, the stitching has come undone along the bottom.

History: The instrument-making firm of Casartelli was a leading specialist firm in England, known for making, improving, and selling scientific and engineering instruments during the mid-nineteenth century. This cloth counting glass was used by Edward Keppel Mansfield (1903-2000), a Manchester-born and South American-trained cloth and fabric merchant, and later by his son, John Mansfield, who has spent the last 49 years in the fabric industry.

Circa: Early 1900s, showcasing the charm and design of early 20th-century scientific instruments.

Specifications:

• Maker: Casartelli of Manchester
• Material: Brass, glass lens, leather pouch
• Dimensions: [Please provide dimensions if available]
• Usage: Used for counting threads per unit area of fabric to determine fineness

Features:

• Folding brass stand for portability
• Built-in scale for precise thread counting
• Minor patina on brass, adding to its vintage charm
• Leather pouch with minor stitching issue

This antique cloth counting glass is a unique collectible that offers a glimpse into the history of textile merchandising and scientific instrumentation. It is perfect for collectors of vintage scientific instruments or those with an interest in textile history.