Antique stanhopes (miniature photographic viewer)

Stanhopes are small, often utilitarian, objects that have been set with a tiny lens, which, when held to light and close to the eye, reveals a tiny photograph. The microphotograph itself is no bigger than the size of a full stop, but is magnified when viewed through the lens.

Three people contributed to the development of Stanhopes – J.B. Dancer, inventor of microphotography, Lord Stanhope, inventor of the lens and Frenchman Rene Dagron, who first combined the two and set the result into novelty items, thereby popularising the technique.

Mass-produced on a rapidly increasing scale from the early 1860s onwards, most were sold as inexpensive souvenirs of places or as commemorative objects for events and exhibitions. From the mid-1860s, Dagron exported thousands of lenses from his factory.

People could send him photographs, which he would miniaturise and mount on a lens making them ready for insertion into any more... object. Exported lenses were marked ‘Made in France’ or with Dagron’s company name. The objects into which the lens was inserted are usually made from inexpensive materials such as bone, vegetable ivory, bog oak or base metals. Plastic was used after the 1920s. Sewing items, charms and penholders predominate.

Scenic views are more common than dated historical personalities and events, which tend to have higher values. Erotic subjects fetch higher prices still. The 20th century saw a decline in inventiveness and range but Stanhope novelties were still produced for commemorative events, such as the accession of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and for advertising purposes.

Demand declined in the 1960s and production ceased completely in 1972. Condition is important. Primarily, the lens must be present and the novelty should not be damaged. The image should be visible and sharp – crazing, bubbling of the gum or scratches reduce value. Never immerse examples in water as this can destroy the adhesive between the image and lens. Also avoid sharp knocks which can also separate the image from the lens. less...