19th C. Gilt Sterling Silver Lorgnette Opera Glasses, Embossed Cherubs

  

This listing is for a lovely gilded Sterling Silver Victorian Period (late 19th Century) lorgnette with enclosed eyeglasses. When a lever on the side is pressed, the eyeglasses are automatically released and open up for use with the end of the lorgnette acting as a handle.

The case is decorated with an embossed rococo design with a cherub's head at the top of the oval section on each side and a lion's head mask at the top of the lower handle. There is a ring on the end for adding the lorgnette to a chatelaine or for wearing around the neck on a chain.

The hinged mechanism is tight and the glasses open appropriately and smoothly retract back into the case. Although the case appears to be unmarked, it is guaranteed to be Sterling Silver. Measures 4 1/2" long (not including ring at top) and 1 1/4" wide. Weighs 35 grams as shown - including glass lens and frame. The Sterling Silver case has no noted damage, however, the gilding on the exterior of the case shows wear with the gilding being worn in the center cartouche on one side and is faint in other high relief areas.

The eyeglasses fit correctly in the case although there is some slight movement with one glass sliding slightly to the open side of the case. We at Antiques & Moore have been in the Antiques business for over 30 years and try to describe our items as accurately as possible. We are happy to answer any questions and always appreciate your business! This item is in the category "Antiques\Silver\Sterling Silver (.925)\Other Antique Sterling Silver".

The seller is "antiquesandmooresales" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Style: Victorian
• Age: 1850-1899
• Type: Lorgnette
• Composition: Sterling Silver