Lorgnette

1850 - 1900

A pair of glasses with a handle was one of the best solutions for the short-sighted in the nineteenth century. The simple decoration on this lorgnette shows it was a version for the daytime. Some versions for special occasions were lavishly decorated with expensive materials, such as gold and tortoiseshell. The frame would follow the prevailing fashion in jewelry.

• Places and dates

  France, 1850? - 1900? (Production)

• Materials

  Gold-plated , Glass

• Dimensions

  • Width: 147 mm (Open)
  • Height: 128.5 mm (Closed)
  • Width: 45.5 mm (Closed)
  • Height: 104.8 mm (Open)
  • Diameter: 41.75 mm (Glass)

• Category

  Accessories

• Object number

  S1864

• IPR status

  Public domain