Finely chased high carat gold Regency ‘quizzing glass’ in the form of an ouroborus c.1810.
The serpent encircles the single magnifying lens.
2.75 inches overall length,lens 1.5 inches across.
The ‘quizzer’ was held up before the eye to enable closer scrutiny of the object in view.
By the late c18th and early c19th quizzers were a popular  jewellery item worn on a long ribbon or chain by the most fashionable young women.