'THIRD HAND MAGNIFIER':

This English-made device was patented in the U.S.A. in April of 1912. Its inventor was John Hampson of Surrey England. It is made of German silver (nickel silver). The blue colored cardboard box is labeled in gold lettering. It includes two different powered lenses in frames that have a tortoise-shell finish. In use it clips on to a finger, usually the thumb of the non-dominant hand, to magnify the object being held between the thumb and index finger, with the other hand left free to work on the magnified object. The distance of the lens to the object may be varied by sliding along a rectangular support rod. A clamping screw holds the magnifier at a suitable angle. The second lens is stored in a leather shammy pouch which can also serve as a lens cleaner. According to the patent, a simpler version was also envisioned where the support for the lens was simply a bendable wire.

Its patent shows its utility in threading a needle, though obviously it could be used for other similar chores. This is in contrast to the threading magnifier in this collection purpose-made to aid in threading needles, and designed to be supported by the thread's spool.