Van Cort “Nicholas II” Egg Kaleidoscope

Updated September 2, 2026

Lot number	29
Auction	Sterling Silver, Southwestern Art & Vintage Treasures
Date	September 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM MST
Auction house	Grasons Estate Sales of Southern AZ
Location	Tucson, Arizona

Vintage Van Cort Instruments “Nicholas II” egg-form kaleidoscope, handcrafted in the USA. This distinctive optical collectible features a polished wood egg body with brass fittings and a substantial turned brass pedestal stand. The viewing chamber contains colorful glass elements that create changing geometric patterns when viewed through the eyepiece. Van Cort was known for handcrafted American kaleidoscopes, and period examples of this model are described as using hand-lampworked glass in the object chamber. The kaleidoscope measures approximately 4" tall overall on its stand. Egg measures approximately 2.25" H x 2" W; brass stand measures approximately 2" H x 1.75" W at the base. Eyepiece is marked “Van Cort USA.” The wood body has a visible lengthwise split/crack, and the brass shows age-related patina and surface wear. Kaleidoscope remains viewable and produces a colorful pattern, as shown. See photos for full details.

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