Product Description
An elegant pair of Victorian opera glasses crafted in shimmering mother of pearl and gilt brass, made by the renowned French optical maker Lemaire of Paris, bearing the distinctive bee mark. Produced for Evan Jones, a Sydney retailer of fine optical and scientific instruments, these opera glasses beautifully reflect the refinement and craftsmanship associated with late 19th-century optical pieces.
Measuring approximately 8 cm tall, they retain their original mechanism and present gracefully with age-related wear consistent with their era, including gentle patina and age-related wear to the brass as shown in the images. There is also some fading and wear to the maker’s lettering around the eyepieces, again consistent with age and use over time.
The lenses themselves remain relatively clean, with no scratches to the glass, and are clear to look through. There are some minor dust marks visible internally within both lenses, which can be quite common in antique opera glasses of this age. These marks are subtle and difficult to properly capture in photographs, including the website images.
Opera glasses such as these were treasured accessories of the Victorian theatre and concert hall, combining luxury with practicality in the age of elegance.
Each piece in our collection carries the subtle marks of time, adding to its authenticity and charm. Any notable details are thoughtfully included in the description and imagery. Should you wish to see more, we are always happy to assist.
If This Piece Could Talk…
Perhaps they once rested in the gloved hands of a theatre-goer stepping into the warm glow of a Victorian opera house, the sound of conversation and orchestra music drifting through velvet-lined halls. Raised to catch a closer glimpse of the stage, these opera glasses may have witnessed grand performances, whispered conversations between intervals, and evenings where elegance itself felt like part of the occasion.
Over time, the subtle fading to the lettering, the gentle patina to the brass, and the quiet marks within the lenses have become part of their story — reminders that they were once cherished, carried, and used in another age.