I have recently acquired these two lenses which look like book ends. They are very heavy as the supports are cast iron; the inserts are brass with one of the lenses being made to unscrew which I presume means a different one can be inserted. I believe both are of the convex type. They are extremely well made.
When I obtained them I was hoping that an image could be formed when the two lenses were placed close together and this proved correct as shown in the attached images. My question is could they have been used in experimental photography or are they earlier than that? The image formed I believe is too small to be used for sketching purposes and it would be difficult to do that anyway. Maybe there is another purpose - Excuse the pun, but if anyone can throw light on their use I would be gratelful. If one lens is used on its own the image is larger but not distinct and has many abberations.
Thanks,
Mike Deane
oldphoto@cwgsy.net
www.deanephotos.com
