Bidspirit auction | Victorian Alabaster Optical Peep Viewer

Victorian Alabaster Optical Peep Viewer Urn - Carved from turned alabaster in the mid-to-late 19th century, this Victorian souvenir optical viewer—commonly referred to as a ”peep egg” or ”stanhope” viewer—is designed in the form of a urn or goblet. Decorated with hand-painted blue forget-me-not sprays and handwritten ”From a Friend” script, it functions as a rotating multi-view optical peep show. Turning the side knobs rotates three internal micro-views—featuring lithographic scenes of ”Folkestone Lighthouse & Harbour”, ”St. Vincent Rocks, Clifton”, and a central mineral chip specimen—visible through optical magnifying lenses set in the top and bottom. Physical condition shows a notable chip along the edge of the pedestal base rim, scattered paint loss and rubbing to the decorative motifs, minor surface scuffs, and expected natural age patination. H 4.25”, W 3.5”, Diam 2.25”. Please see photos for condition. From the Allen Koenigsberg collection.