A telescopic peepshow. The "plates" are actually cutout panels, connected top and bottom by paper.Title from ms. note on the verso of the last panel.A homemade toy? The panels may have been originally used in a true peepshow.Possibly of French origin.Cottage of content, or, Toys, games, and amusements of nineteenth century England, 59Selected exhibitions: "The Cottage of Content : or, Toys, Games, and Amusements of Nineteenth Century England" (Yale Center for British Art, November 2 - December 31, 1977).
Exhibition History:
Cottage of Content, or, Toys, Games, and Amusements of Nineteenth Century England (Yale Center for British Art, November 2, 1977-December 31, 1977)