Opera glasses - Victorian - 1850-1900 - Europe

An elegant pair of late Victorian opera glasses, circa 1890, extensively clad in mother-of-pearl and mounted in gilt brass.

The flared barrels are entirely faced with individually fitted vertical panels of mother-of-pearl, displaying rich natural iridescence in tones of pearl, pink, green and gold. The eyepieces and long folding handle are similarly clad in mother-of-pearl, creating an unusually refined and cohesive design.

The gilt-brass mounts are finished with finely milled borders, while the articulated handle folds neatly alongside the barrels when not in use. The central focusing mechanism extends and retracts the barrels.

The mother-of-pearl is particularly well preserved, retaining its natural lustre and iridescence, with no significant losses visible. The gilt-brass mounts show minor surface wear and patination consistent with age. The lenses are present and the focusing and folding mechanisms operate.