19th Century Brass & Bone Opera Glasses with Original Case

A rare and exquisite pair of antique brass and bone opera glasses, or theater binoculars, imported from England and dating to the 19th century.

These wonderful small binoculars combine warm aged brass with bone panels that have developed a beautiful patina over generations of use. Designed to accompany their owner to the theater or opera, they are a fascinating reminder of 19th-century social life and make a particularly appealing decorative and collectible object today.

Even more wonderfully, the opera glasses retain their original fitted case with silk-lined interior. Both the glasses and their case show considerable evidence of a life once lived, with wear, losses, patination, and imperfections contributing to their fabulous old-world character rather than disguising their age.

Despite their considerable age and condition issues noted below, the binoculars are still fully functional, and the clasp on the original case also remains functional.

 

Condition

Decent antique condition with considerable age-related wear.

There is some splitting to the bone near the eyepieces, and one glass eyepiece lens is cracked, as shown in the final photograph.

There is heavy wear and loss to the original case and its silk interior, along with age-appropriate patination and wear to both the bone and brass.

Despite these condition issues, the opera glasses remain fully functional, and the clasp on the case is also still working.

These signs of age and use are an important part of the history and authentic old-world character of the piece.

Please zoom in and study the photographs closely, as they form an important part of the description. Additional photographs are always available upon request.

 

Dimensions

Original Case

• Width: 4 3/4"

• Depth: 2 1/4"

• Height: 3 1/2"

Opera Glasses

• Width: 4 1/8"

• Depth: 1 1/2"

• Height: 3 1/4"

 

Specifications

• Item #: 2042141

• Period: 19th Century

• Origin: England

• Type: Opera Glasses / Theater Binoculars

• Materials: Brass, Bone & Glass

• Includes: Original Fitted Case

 

Features

• Still functional despite their considerable age

• Original fitted case with working clasp

• Wonderful collectible for lovers of antique theater, opera, or optical objects

• Beautiful decorative piece for a study, library, dressing table, or curiosity collection

 

Buy With Confidence

We strive to provide clear descriptions and detailed photographs that accurately represent each piece. If you would like any additional information or photographs before purchasing, we're always happy to help.

 

Shipping & In-Store Pickup

This item ships within the contiguous USA using carrier-calculated shipping. Simply click "Add to Cart", proceed to checkout, and enter your delivery address to receive an accurate shipping rate based on your location.

All smaller items are professionally packed with great care and typically dispatched within two business days.

For free in-store pickup at our Cary, North Carolina showroom, simply select "Pick Up" during checkout.

If you have any questions before placing your order, including shipping, combined purchases, or checkout, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're always happy to help ensure everything is handled smoothly.