A pair of gilt-brass opera glasses with silvered bird and cherry decoration, c.1900 A charming pair of late 19th/early 20th-century opera glasses, the barrels richly decorated in relief with birds perched amongst fruiting cherry branches and foliage against a finely textured ground. The silvered decoration is complemented by gilt-brass fittings and a central focusing wheel, creating an attractive contrast of tones. The eyepieces extend smoothly for focusing and the original lenses remain in place. The glasses show gentle age-related wear, tarnishing and patination consistent with use, adding to their period character.