Secret Life of Antiques: Antique French Opera Glasses & Binoculars

Antique French Opera Glasses and Binoculars fascinate collectors all over the world. The first Opera Glasses ever mentioned were in a London advertisement in 1730. These were monoculars; small Galilean telescopes. They were decorated with gems, enamel, ivory and hand painting, so lovely! But it wasn't until 1823 in Vienna, that the first binocular opera glasses were invented. Two cylinders connected with a bridge, each eye-tube extended independently for focusing. Two years later in Paris, Pierre Lemiere improved on these, and invented the center focus wheel, which allowed the focusing of both eyes together. Kiln Fired Enamel Opera Glasses with Jewels and handpainted portraits. { Sold.} The beautiful fine opera glasses were made by many craftsmen, not only opticians. Each one was worked on by painters, goldsmiths and other artists. By the second half of the 19th century they had become essential fashion accessories for elegant theatre goers. Given as gifts for holidays and birthdays, there is such a range of elegant, stunning opera glasses still for sale. Exquisite pair of antique French Opera Glasses, above, made by Chevalier, Paris. This gorgeous pair of opera binoculars is unusual in that the barrels are decorated with embossed aesthetic scenes of Birds and Cherry branches, with the influence of the Victorian's love of all things from the natural world.