Victorian Memorial Brass Magnifying Glass

Victorian Memorial Brass Magnifying Glass. Engraved “In Remembrance – B.C.P. – of Wilhelmina Peckover” A fine and unusual late Victorian brass-mounted desk magnifying glass, bearing a poignant engraved memorial inscription: “In Remembrance – B.C.P. – of Wilhelmina Peckover” This substantial hand lens features a wide brass bezel encasing a large convex glass lens, with a turned brass handle collar, and Morther of Pearl handle. The gothic-style engraved initials “B.C.P.” suggest Barclay Cornelius Peckover (1826–1894), the prominent Wisbech banker and philanthropist, and the inscription indicates a commemorative association with Wilhelmina Peckover (1839–1931), the noted Quaker peace activist. Presentation and memorial objects of this kind were popular among affluent Victorian families, particularly within professional and religious circles. A desk magnifier would have symbolised scholarship, literacy, scripture study, and business affairs — entirely fitting for a distinguished Quaker banking family. Whether acquired as a personal remembrance or commissioned as a family memorial piece, this is a historically evocative object with strong local and social significance.