Art Deco Silver Lorgnette, German. Circa 1920

Object Description

A stylish antique silver folding magnifying glass or eyeglass, the handle and frame decorated with engine turning and art deco motif. The lorgnette is operated by a spring clip at the bottom of the handle. Length 11.8cm. 935 grade silver. Probably German. Circa 1920.

Marks. Marked with the silver grade “935”, and a partially stamped leaf motif, between the lenses. 935 grade silver (93.5%) is purer than sterling silver (92,5%). Austria, Germany and Switzerland all use this silver standard.

Object Literature

By the 19th century well-dressed ladies wore ‘long chains’ from which were suspended watches or lorgnettes, as well as lockets and other useful implements. A lorgnette is, quite simply, a pair of spectacles mounted on a handle. The precursor to modern opera glasses, lorgnettes were a common sight during the 19th century at the theatre as well as the opera.

Object Condition

In good condition

Object Details