Antique French Opera Glasses, Large & Original Etui, Case, Ivory

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Antique French Opera Glasses, Large & Original Etui, Case, Ivory

About the Item

A most spectacular set of early to mid-1800s French opera glasses, or binoculars, much larger than most and in fine condition as you see, with just a fine hairline shrinkage/age crack on the inside of one of the barrel coverings. Still complete with its original fitted leather-clad wooden etui or case, they've weathered the many decades relatively unscathed by time and emerge a brilliantly beautiful pair for use or display. These are more 'binoculars' than typical smallish opera glasses, and have the heft and look of a masculine set for office, for use, or display. Lenses are perfectly clear and the set can go straight to field events, the Kentucky Derby, or to the Opera with you next time you go. I suspect these would have come from the boutiques along the garden promenade of the old Palais Royal in Paris, though they do not have a signature or label to give as proof. But they are of the type and quality one would have found in those shops by early to mid-1800s; there or on the Ave de l'Opera (Garnier), along with selections of luxurious materials and types for the well-to-do who could visit and enjoy Opera in those times. Can't you just see them in place and time! Very good to excellent condition for age and type. You can see there is one fine hairline on the very inside of one of the lens barrel coverings, noted in our image for your review. The eyepieces and lenses are clear, clean, undamaged and the adjustment wheel turns perfectly to adjust for your eyes and view. These are beautiful for display, but will also beg to be used. Larger size will put them at home in a man's hands, also - I see them at the Kentucky Derby, actually, and in the winner's circle! The old box is surprisingly fine, a bit of surface abrasion outside to show its age, but not much. Interior is much the same as when new, lovely! Not much tattering or wear to the silk except where the lenses fit. Closes tightly and hasn't any breaks or indication of not being completely sound. NOTE This item will be handled and shipped from our Utah office, and is not available to California customers, sorry.

Dimensions:
Width: 4.5 in (114.3 mm)Depth: 2 in (50.8 mm)
Place of Origin:
France
Date of Manufacture:
Victorian, c. 1840s
Condition:
Excellent. No breaks, one fine age/shrinkage cracks in the ivory, and lenses are clear and crisp, ready for use. Case is very good, silk lining shows some age, but not much.
Seller Location:
San Marcos, CA
Reference Number:
Seller: 711binocs1stDibs: JU11101722742