Stock No. 3041	George III Retreat from Moscow horn magnifier
Very striking George III oblong horn magnifier with two folding horn branches with magnifying glasses of different strengths, commemorating the retreat of Napoleon's army from Moscow. Made in England in circa 1812 and signed by the engraver John Westwood. One side shows an impressed scene of French cavalry retreating, with the last soldier (wearing a Napoleonic hat) at flat gallop and with sabre in hand, looking back at Russian Cossacks on horseback, armed with lances and in hot pursuit. Beneath: RETREAT FROM MOSCOW. The other side is impressed with the Russian Romanov coat of arms of the two-headed crowned eagle holding orb and sceptre in each claw with the imperial crown above and a sunburst background. Beneath are the initials I W for John Westwood. On either side is a fruited laurel leaf branch. The two folding horn branches containing the magnifying glasses are held in place by silver rivets. Maker :- John Westwood

Condition :-Very good condition indeed with just a few signs of wear on some parts of the edge but these are virtually negligible. Excellent definition on both sides.
Circa :- 1812
Size :- 2.7 inches (6.9 cm) long x 0.8 inches (2 cm) at widest point
The artistic design of this magnifier is excellent and befits the work of John Westwood (b.1774 - 1815), who was a talented member of a celebrated family of engravers. It was usual for him to sign his work with just the initials I W. A great deal of Westwood's work was concentrated on the making of dies for embossed dies to be used on embossed snuff boxes.

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