Antique Enamel Opera Glasses

Object Description

A beautiful pair of antique opera glasses made of gilt brass metal and enamel. The binocular tops and extension knob are made of real mother of pearl. The pink enamel barrels are covered in gilt stars and have beaded cartouches and borders containing hand painted sprays of multi coloured flowers. The underside is inscribed “REG Armstrong 14.August 1884”.

Measures – width 10.4 cm, closed height 6.3 cm, extended height 8.5 cm.
Probably French.
Circa 1884.
Retailer’s mark Sharman D Neill, Belfast.

Object Literature

Guilloché (or Guilloche) engraving is a decorative technique in which an intricate repetitive pattern or design is mechanically engraved into an underlying material with fine detail. This engine turning decoration is called guilloché in French, after the French engineer “Guillot” who invented the machine to carry out this kind of engraving (the rose machine).

Object Condition

These mini binoculars are in good overall condition. Fully functional. There are a few fine hairlines in the enamel and some of the beads are missing. The case is very worn.
Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of these items.

Object Details