Fly's Eye (8809)
This fly's eye is made from amethyist and is very rare even if it didn't start it's life on a cane, which I can't prove it did. The handle is worth more than what I paid for the cane. I can't prove it is original, just like you can't prove it isn't. It's all brass with black enamel. The enamel is where you place your fingers when you use it, keeping the oxidation off the brass. There is a small chip in the enamel, which I will someday repair. Yes you can have enamel repaired, and often not be able to tell it was done except with a black light. The repair will show up a different color. Often you can tell it was repaired. It's a pain in the neck and I don't recommend it, as it often takes months and is expensive.
All this and I'll bet you still don't know what a fly's eye is. It's an adult toy viewer that was expensive in the 1850's. The stone lense is cut in such a way you see 9 identical views of the same item. As you turn it, the center view doesn't move and all the others run around the center as if they are on a merry go round. It looks a lot like a reality kaleidoscope. I can visualize the smiles on the faces of those who watched it, before video games and television.
They call it a fly's eye because it's what a fly see's when he looks at you. Let's review what you have learned.
Category: Gadget Sub Category: City - Manufactured
Listed: 2006-12-05 01:00:43
|