Butterfly Magnifying Glass Appraisal

Butterfly Themed Magnifying Glass

This is a decorative handheld magnifying glass featuring an ornate butterfly motif at the base of the lens. The piece is constructed from a cast metallic material, likely brass or a bronze-finished alloy, exhibiting a warm, aged golden patina. The butterfly junction shows detailed relief work, including vein patterns in the wings and a segmented body. The handle is tapered and decorated with a repeating scrollwork or botanical pattern in raised relief, providing both aesthetic appeal and a textured grip. The circular lens is held within a thin metal rim that seamlessly integrates into the butterfly ornament. Broadly speaking, the style suggests a late 20th-century revival of Art Nouveau or Victorian aesthetics. Regarding condition, there is visible surface wear and oxidation consistent with frequent handling, particularly on the raised edges of the decorative metal. The glass lens appears clear without major chips, though faint surface scratches may be present upon closer inspection. The construction appears sturdy, indicating functional use alongside its decorative purpose.