Pretty folding jewel lorgnette in a tortoiseshell case, from the Napoleon III period, 19th century. It is made of Sterling silver (1 hallmark on the telescope and 1 on the edge of the case (see photos).
The lorgnette was invented in the 18th century by the Englishman George Adams . The lorgnette is generally used as a piece of jewelry , rather than to enhance vision . Fashionable ladies generally preferred them to glasses. Lorgnettes were very popular at masked balls and often used at the opera (becoming the model for today's opera binoculars), particularly in the 19th century.
It has suffered wear and tear given its age: the scale is in good condition, but the opening mechanism needs to be revised and 1 of the glasses is scratched. Nevertheless, this object will be quite charming in a display case or a cabinet of curiosities.
Dimensions: 7.5 cm wide by 2.2 cm high and 0.9 cm deep, weight 17 g.
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