Zoom binoculars - Damen Modell Lorgnette-Signiert - 1850-1900 - Germany - Busch, Emil

Experience the charm of bygone eras with this antique opera monocle (opera glass), crafted from galvanized brass and noble mother-of-pearl. This rare collectible originates from Germany—signed Emil Busch—and represents an era where artisanal craftsmanship and precision were paramount. Perfect for lovers of antiques and technology, it blends seamlessly into any collection of Photographs and other art objects. An exquisite display piece that brings historical flair and elegant design to your space. Naturally suitable for use at opera and theatre performances as well!

6928/61 (The serial or model number): This is an individual production or registration number from the manufacturer. With such numbers, in some brands (such as old Emil Busch lenses) one can locate the model in old archives.

With antique opera glasses, theatre glasses, and binoculars, the abbreviation V.Z.M. typically stands for the magnification marking (or is recorded in French as the origin/manufacturer stamp).

The number 61 appears surprisingly often on the central metal bridge of historical French and German opera glasses (e.g., very famous in models by the manufacturer Lemaire or as here Emil Busch!). It usually denotes the spacing or standard size of the optical housing in an old French unit of measurement (lines) or designates the frame series.

The object pictured here is a detailed antique opera glass (also called a theatre glass) from the late 19th century. Signed Emil Busch, Rathenow, Germany—late 19th century. Busch Multinett.

Emil Busch (born August 6, 1820 in Berlin; died April 1, 1888 in Rathenow) was a German industrialist in precision engineering and optics. He participated in the invention of the wide-angle objective.
In 1868, Busch was appointed Royal Commercial Counsellor by the king for his achievements. In 1872 he transformed the company into a joint-stock corporation to facilitate the necessary investments, which it did with the help of the Quistorp & Co. banking association. The share capital of the corporation was 275,000 talers. In the resulting company, the Rathenow Optical Industry Institute, formerly Emil Busch A.-G., Emil Busch thereafter held high positions as a “Delegate of the Supervisory Board” and as a director.

The company subsequently attained a dominant market position. Thanks to unofficial arrangements with Zeiss, it restricted free competition. Carl Zeiss had his son Roderich undertake commercial training at Busch. In turn, Busch contributed an assessment that led the state to grant Zeiss’s Glass Technology Laboratory a subsidy of 35,000 talers. Busch, who never studied, died in 1888. Because of him—and because of Johann and Eduard Duncker—the town of Rathenow became synonymous with high-quality optical devices.

The housing is made of gold-plated brass, combined with segments of iridescent mother-of-pearl on the tubes. These gleam in a silver-violet-green color, almost black. The rare Abalone mother-of-pearl.
The eyepieces are, as I strongly suspect, equipped with a Bakelite ring.

Rare collector’s item—late 19th century.

In the center lies the central, grooved focus wheel, which here is fitted with a dark ring—smooth and easy to operate.

Condition & ornamentation:

All in all, a masterfully crafted theatre glass!

The model features a side-mounted handle (lorgnette). This allowed ladies and gentlemen of good society to hold the glass elegantly before the eyes without having to raise the arms too much. The telescope grip is completely encrusted with mother-of-pearl, flawless!
Dimensions: extended approx
Height: 5 cm
Width: 9 cm
Depth: 3 cm
Light age-related patina.

Lorgnette length: 10 cm
The oculars can be easily unscrewed for cleaning!

Includes a velvet bag!
No mold infestation!
Clear view.

This beautiful specimen should appeal to many collectors and enthusiasts.

Dear buyers!
All information has been provided to the best of my knowledge. I generally strive for an accurate and precise description. My description is often based on historical research and extensive investigations!
If, contrary to expectations, an item does not meet your expectations, I kindly ask for feedback. There is always a mutually satisfactory solution!
With kind regards
Fred

FROM A CURRENT ISSUE!
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Please ensure correct address details! And track your purchase with the provided tracking number. If you are not present at delivery, provide the carrier with a neighbor or an access point for delivery! Return shipping and reshipment costs are entirely at your expense! Please avoid this.

Please ensure correct address details! And track your purchase with the provided tracking number. If you are not present at delivery, provide the carrier with a neighbor or an access point for delivery! Return shipping and reshipment costs are entirely at your expense! Please avoid this.

Shipping is handled individually, depending on the country, with UPS-DHL-Express! No shipping to war zones!!! The costs also include packaging. Double carton, bubble wrap, drainage and Styrofoam, if needed. Recycled cartonage, for the sake of the environment. Additional tape labeling: Caution—Fragile Glass! To ensure break-proof shipping. Additional transport insurance against loss or damage! Fast express shipping for prompt receipt. Please note this when placing your bid. Thank you!