Zoom binoculars - Opernglas - 1910-1920 - Switzerland - Max Ramstein Iberg & Co

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€ 1
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Rob ter Ellen
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Selected by Rob ter Ellen

Over 35 years' experience specialising in cameras and optical equipment.

Estimate  € 150 - € 200
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Antique opera binoculars in gilded brass with iridescent mother-of-pearl, 2.5x magnification, measuring about 10 x 10 x 4 cm, in very good condition and tested, dating to around 1910–1920 from Basel, Switzerland, in the Jugendstil/Art Nouveau style, signed on the eyepieces and tubes, with the original leather case lined in blue silk (latch not intact).

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Antique opera glasses made of gilded brass and iridescent mother-of-pearl.
On the oculars and the tubes – very well preserved – signed.
Focusing via the central wheel works.
Oculars and lenses can be removed for cleaning.
Clear sight and magnification provided.
Includes the original leather case, patinated blue silk, clasp not intact!
Circa 1920.
Rare find!
Approximate measurements when extended:
10 x 10 x 4 cm

Founding & Development: In 1919 Max Ramstein, his wife Emilia and Louis Iberg took over the optical shop on Eisengasse in Basel under the name Ramstein Iberg & Co.
Emilia took on the commercial management.
Move to the Marktplatz: In 1940 the thriving business moved to a prominent storefront directly beside Basel’s town hall at Marktplatz 11. Art-historical significance: Around 1949/1950 the shop engaged the then-young and little-known artist Jean Tinguely as window dresser. Tinguely’s imaginative and kinetic window decorations made of wire for Ramstein Iberg were pioneering and already hinted at his later world-famous handwriting as an object artist. These historical window arrangements were also part of the exhibition Fresh Window at the Museum Tinguely.
Current status: The renowned specialty shop exists to this day at the Marktplatz in Basel under the modern name Ramstein Optik.

Dear buyers!

All information has been provided to the best of my knowledge and belief.
I generally strive for an exact and precise description.
My description is often based on historical research and thorough investigations!

If, as unlikely as it may be, an item does not meet your expectations, I kindly ask for feedback.
There is always a mutually satisfactory solution for everything!

Best regards

Fred

FROM A RECENT OCCURRENCE!

PLEASE BID ONLY IF YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY!
YOU ARE ONLY HARMING YOURSELF, OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES, AND ALSO ME!
PLEASE CHOOSE A REASONABLE HOBBY!

Please ensure correct shipping addresses!
And track your purchase with the provided tracking number.
If you are not present at delivery, please provide the carrier with a neighbor or an Access Point for delivery!
The costs for returns and redelivery are entirely on you!
Please avoid this.

Please ensure correct shipping addresses!
And track your purchase with the provided tracking number.
If you are not present at delivery, please provide the carrier with a neighbor or an Access Point for delivery!
The costs for returns and redelivery are entirely on you!
Please avoid this.

Shipping is carried out 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, as needed.
Recycled carton for the sake of the environment
Additional tape labeling: Caution Glass - Fragile!
To enable break-proof shipping.
Additional transport insurance against loss or damage!
Fast express shipping for quick receipt.
Please note this when bidding!
Thank you!

Antique opera glasses made of gilded brass and iridescent mother-of-pearl.
On the oculars and the tubes – very well preserved – signed.
Focusing via the central wheel works.
Oculars and lenses can be removed for cleaning.
Clear sight and magnification provided.
Includes the original leather case, patinated blue silk, clasp not intact!
Circa 1920.
Rare find!
Approximate measurements when extended:
10 x 10 x 4 cm

Founding & Development: In 1919 Max Ramstein, his wife Emilia and Louis Iberg took over the optical shop on Eisengasse in Basel under the name Ramstein Iberg & Co.
Emilia took on the commercial management.
Move to the Marktplatz: In 1940 the thriving business moved to a prominent storefront directly beside Basel’s town hall at Marktplatz 11. Art-historical significance: Around 1949/1950 the shop engaged the then-young and little-known artist Jean Tinguely as window dresser. Tinguely’s imaginative and kinetic window decorations made of wire for Ramstein Iberg were pioneering and already hinted at his later world-famous handwriting as an object artist. These historical window arrangements were also part of the exhibition Fresh Window at the Museum Tinguely.
Current status: The renowned specialty shop exists to this day at the Marktplatz in Basel under the modern name Ramstein Optik.

Dear buyers!

All information has been provided to the best of my knowledge and belief.
I generally strive for an exact and precise description.
My description is often based on historical research and thorough investigations!

If, as unlikely as it may be, an item does not meet your expectations, I kindly ask for feedback.
There is always a mutually satisfactory solution for everything!

Best regards

Fred

FROM A RECENT OCCURRENCE!

PLEASE BID ONLY IF YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY!
YOU ARE ONLY HARMING YOURSELF, OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES, AND ALSO ME!
PLEASE CHOOSE A REASONABLE HOBBY!

Please ensure correct shipping addresses!
And track your purchase with the provided tracking number.
If you are not present at delivery, please provide the carrier with a neighbor or an Access Point for delivery!
The costs for returns and redelivery are entirely on you!
Please avoid this.

Please ensure correct shipping addresses!
And track your purchase with the provided tracking number.
If you are not present at delivery, please provide the carrier with a neighbor or an Access Point for delivery!
The costs for returns and redelivery are entirely on you!
Please avoid this.

Shipping is carried out 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, as needed.
Recycled carton for the sake of the environment
Additional tape labeling: Caution Glass - Fragile!
To enable break-proof shipping.
Additional transport insurance against loss or damage!
Fast express shipping for quick receipt.
Please note this when bidding!
Thank you!

Details

Specific region of origin
Basel
Style subtype
Jugendstil
Era
1900-2000
Number of objects
1
Manufacturer/brand
Max Ramstein Iberg & Co
Model/type number
Opernglas
Material
Gilded brass - mother-of-pearl - optical glass - leather satin
Country of origin
Switzerland
Style
Art Nouveau
Physical condition
Very good
Functional condition
Tested and working
Magnification Factor
2,5
Height
10 cm
Width
10 cm
Type
Zoom binoculars
Depth
4 cm
Estimated period
1910-1920
Sold by
GermanyVerified
743
Objects sold
100%
Privatetop

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