Antique French Pocket 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 this handsome pair of Antique Pocket Opera Glasses. Wonderfully functional, these special glasses were specifically designed with the theater-going gentleman in mind, cleverly folding shut to have a thin profile that fits neatly in a suit jacket pocket. A push tab on one end releases the clasp and the opera glasses pop open. To close, a simple turn of the key on the side of the glasses folds the lenses down allowing the cover to clasp shut. Covered in dark brown textured kidskin leather, the glasses make an elegant and discreet accessory for an evening at the theater.  

Sure to have witnessed many a great production in the opera houses and theaters of France, this wonderful find will be a storied accessory and beautiful objet for your home.

Strictly one of a kind and subject to prior sale. In very good antique condition with gentle wear as shown in the alternate images. 4.5"W x 2.75".