The Navigator's Brass Magnifier

This is the brass-framed magnifier inspired by the domed compasses that enabled British mariners such as Admiral Fitzroy of the HMS Beagle to read tiny map typefaces while navigating. Made by a supplier of maritime instruments to Her Majesty’s Naval Service, the magnifier provides 2.5X magnification of charts—financial or nautical—or other small-print documents simply by sliding the dome over reading matter while on a flat surface. The solid brass frame and legs securing the convex, solid-glass dome grant the magnifier enough heft to serve as a paperweight when not being used to plot a course or follow the course of a plot. The magnifier comes in a 6 3/4" sq. x 2 1/2" H hardwood box reinforced with decorative brass corners; a glass window on the lid enables a quick glance to ensure one’s preferred desk gadget is always at the ready. Magnifier 2" H x 3 1/2" Diam. (7 oz.)