A lot comprising two antique items of decorative and scientific interest. The first is a 19th Century? miniature bowl-back mandolin, featuring a wood core finished with a tortoiseshell effect? veneer. The instrument is embellished with mother-of-pearl and abalone shell inlays to the soundboard border and central rosette. The fretboard and headstock are faced with a white bone? or celluloid? material and detailed with incised fret markers. The second item is an antique brass drum microscope of cylindrical construction, featuring a large lateral aperture for light and specimen access. The instrument is fitted with a sliding focus tube and two knurled brass thumb screws for specimen slide adjustment. The brass body exhibits a naturally aged dark patina with areas of surface oxidation. Both items lack their original cases or accessories.
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