Monocle - 1850-1900 - France - Unknown

Rare 19th Century Telescopic Theater Monocle – In Pomponne, Mother-of-Pearl and Monogram Engraved
Detailed Description: Exceptional antique theater monocle (opera glasses/hand-lorgnette), dated to the mid-19th century (c. 1850-1870), probably of French manufacture (Napoleon III period). The piece stands out for its six-stage retractable barrel, made in Pomponne — a historic reddish metal alloy richly gold-plated.
The main shaft is clad with natural iridescent mother-of-pearl plates, joined by rings of gold-toned brass with decorative geometric engravings in a floral frieze pattern.
The top of the ocular bears a personalized engraving with the owner’s monogram/initials from the period, giving the piece an exclusive character and historical provenance.
Technical Data
Era / Style: 19th Century / Napoleon III
Materials: Polished mother-of-pearl, Pomponne alloy (copper/zinc) and gold plating
Optics: Original high-clarity mineral glass lenses
Dimensions:
Objective diameter 3.5 cm. Closed length: 3.5 cm
Fully opened length: 10.5 cm
Condition: Excellent condition for a collection piece. The mother-of-pearl is flawless, with no cracks, chips or losses of plates. The telescopic mechanism works perfectly, sliding smoothly. The original gold plating (Pomponne) shows an authentic patina and minimal and natural wear for the period. The lenses are completely free of scratches, fungus or breaks, maintaining precise focus and clear visibility.
Small impact on one of the sections, please see photos for careful analysis, the photos are part of the listing.
Unique and rare piece