Antique French Belle Époque Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses

Opera glasses first came on the scene in London in the early 1700s in the form of a single, long, collapsible telescope. The "Opera Glass" as it was referred to, was often covered in enamel, gems, ivory or decoratively hand-painted, which lent it a refined appearance as was fitting for use in the opulent opera houses and theaters of the day.

For nearly 100 years opera glasses existed merely as a single telescope, but in 1823 the first binocular opera glasses and theater binoculars began to appear in Vienna. Instead of the form we know today, however, they were simply two telescopes with a bridge in the center, each telescope focusing independently from the other by extending or shortening the telescope until things were in focus. Admittedly better than nothing, but still very cumbersome.

Two years later in Paris, Pierre Lemiere improved on this design and created a center focus wheel. This allowed the focusing of both telescopes together. After this development, opera glasses grew in popularity because of their ease of use and the superior view they promised in opera and theater houses. The beautiful design of the glasses themselves also added appeal to the opera-going crowd. By the 1850's opera glasses and theater glasses had become a must-have fashion accessory for all opera and theater-goers.

Found at market in Paris, we are thrilled to present these absolutely breathtaking Antique Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses. Sure to have been very much at home in theaters across France, these magnificent glasses are covered in lustrous mother-of-pearl which lend them a luminescent opulence that is truly captivating.

This romantic find will be an elegant accessory and exquisite objet for your home.

Strictly one of a kind and subject to prior sale. In very good antique condition. 4.5"W x 3"L x 2.25"H.