Antique LeFils Paris opera glasses. Genuine mother of pearl inlay on the eye pieces and on the fold up handle. Around the eye pieces and the top part of the fold up handle is brass finish with a four-leaf clover looking design(I know there's a name for it, I just can't think of it. See pictures.). The bottom half of the handle is mother of pearl with a flower design carved into it. There is a small sliding piece in the middle of the handle to keep it from folding back up when you have it unfolded. All the opera glasses I have looked up have a round handle, but the opera glasses I have have a flat handle.The piece that turns to focus the lenses is in good working condition. LeFils Paris is printed on both of the eye pieces. You can see out of it pretty clearly. The brass is a little dull, but nothing a good polishing can't fix. There are minimal scratches and flaws to the piece.
Description
Category
General Antiques and Collectibles
Medium
Brass, mother of pearl
Distinguishing marks
LeFils Paris engraved into the eye pieces
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
4 1/2 inches across, 11 inches long with handle unfolded, eye pieces stand out about 2 inches
Date Period
late 1800s, possibly early 1900s
Weight
a few ounces, just an estimate.
History
I bought these opera glasses at an estate sale roughly around 2 years ago. The estate, located in Cullman, Alabama, belonged to the late Evelyn Burrow(I know this may be useless information-but she knew many people around the world and I thought if they knew her, they may have some information). She traveled the world buying antiques, it was her passion. After her death, she donated millions of dollars and her most prized antiques to the local community college arts building and museum. The rest was either sold at the estate sale or auctioned off. These opera glasses were sitting off by themselves with a couple more pairs, and no one seemed interested in them. However, they caught my eye. I thought they were absolutely gorgeous. They come from Paris, hence the LeFils Paris engraving on the eye pieces. The price at the sale was only around $50, if I'm remembering correctly. I've searched the internet everywhere, but haven't found a pair quite like these. I know they may not be worth much, but I've just been wondering since I've bought it.
Price Paid (If known)
If I'm remembering correctly, they were around $50 at an estate sale.
For Sale?
No
Photos
