Observation binoculars - 1910-1920 - France - Colmont Paris, lentes Zingraff & Conjunto de 2 perfumeros de viaje

Colmont Paris theatre binoculars in mother-of-pearl and gilded brass - 19th Century

Elegant theatre or operа binoculars (jumelles de théâtre) made by the prestigious Colmont house of Paris, one of the most reputable French optical firms of the 19th century. The inscription 'Colmont Paris' with the star and the letter 'C' appears engraved on the central bridge, while on one of the lens rims the address '184 Rue de Rivoli, Paris' is read, confirming their origin. The mark 'ZINGRAFF Paris' visible on the other objective indicates the optical distributor. These binoculars date from the late 19th century, roughly between 1870 and 1890.

They are crafted with genuine mother-of-pearl-coated tubes, with plates showing pink, golden, and greenish iridescences characteristic of this noble material. The metal framework is gilded brass with chiselled details and decorative moldings along the edges. The central focusing wheel is also made of carved mother-of-pearl with a fine knurling. The approximate dimensions are around 9–10 cm wide by 5 cm high, a compact handheld theatre binocular format. They include their original leather case.

The condition is generally good. The mother-of-pearl retains its shine and beauty, with minimal signs of use. The gilded brass shows loss of gilding and natural patina from the passage of time, especially visible on the bridge and edges. The optics are complete and the mechanisms work perfectly. The leather case shows wear consistent with its age.

French Belle Époque theatre binoculars are highly sought after by collectors of antique optical objects and luxury 19th-century accessories. The Colmont Paris signature, together with its location on the elegant Rue de Rivoli, denotes a quality piece intended for the well-to-do who attended the opera and the theatre. The combination of worked mother-of-pearl with gilded brass and the conservation of the original case significantly increase its appeal and collectible value.

Period: 19th Century
Material: Mother-of-pearl, Brass, Glass, Leather
Origin: France
Manufacturer: Colmont Paris
Condition: Good

The set is complemented by an elegant travel vanity set from the same era consisting of two crystal perfume bottles with silvered stoppers, presented in their original leather case with a flap closure and snap button. This type of toiletry case was very popular from the late 19th century to the early decades of the 20th century, designed to transport fragrances safely during travel, for both ladies and gentlemen of the period.

The bottles are made of transparent crystal with a rectangular shape, topped with metal stoppers with a silver finish (not silver, but common metal possibly nickel-plated or chromium-plated) with snap closure. The case is made of dark brown/burgundy-tinished leather with machine-stitched perimeter seam, flap closure with a metal snap button, and natural untreated leather lining. The approximate dimensions of the case are about 8 x 5 x 12 cm when closed.

This type of travel perfume sets are sought after by collectors of vintage vanity items, vanity cases, and travel accessories of the era. Its compact form, leather work quality, and the elegance of the set make it a decorative and collectible object. It represents an era when travel accessories were crafted with meticulous handwork and durable materials.

Period: Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century
Material: Crystal, Leather, Silvered Metal
Origin: France
Condition: Good