{"product_id":"antique-french-mother-of-pearl-opera-glasses-with-folding-handle","title":"Antique French Mother-of-Pearl Opera Glasses with Folding Handle","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA quietly striking relic of the theater, these antique French opera glasses offer both function and presence—crafted with luminous mother-of-pearl barrels and a delicate folding handle, designed for an era when even the smallest objects were made with intention.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarked “Made in France,” with additional worn markings around the eyepiece rims indicating Paris origin, this piece likely dates to the late 19th to early 20th century. Time has softened some of the original lettering, now faint and partially obscured through age and use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe barrels are formed from genuine mother-of-pearl, displaying a warm, iridescent glow. The tone is not a stark white, but rather a softly aged variation—subtle shifts in color that occur naturally over time and are consistent with authentic antique nacre. This gentle warming adds depth and character, reinforcing the authenticity of the piece.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe gilt brass framework shows visible wear and patina throughout, particularly around the eyepieces and focusing mechanism. There is light tarnishing and areas of finish loss, along with surface rust present on some of the screws, all consistent with age. The piece has been lightly polished but intentionally not over-restored, preserving its original character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe mechanism remains fully functional. The glasses extend and retract smoothly, and the central focusing wheel turns as intended. Lenses are present, have been gently cleaned for clarity, and are clear enough to view through, though they have not been optically tested for precision.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhether displayed on a stack of books or kept close as a tactile object, they carry the quiet romance of another time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMeasurements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFolded length: approximately 4.5 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGlasses fully extended: approximately 2.25 inches across\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLength with handle extended: approximately 5.5 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEstate-sourced and in antique condition with age-appropriate wear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMother-of-pearl shows natural variation and warming in tone and is not bright white\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGilt brass exhibits visible wear, patina, and light tarnishing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSurface rust is present on some screws\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Made in France” marking is visible; Paris markings on the eyepiece rims are worn and partially legible\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLenses are present, gently cleaned, and viewable through\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMechanism is functional with smooth extension and focusing movement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs with all estate-sourced objects, signs of age and use are present and should be expected.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollected slowly. Chosen with care. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor old homes, quiet corners, and curious hands.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shop of Old","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44433413505159,"sku":null,"price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0727\/9345\/6775\/files\/61617D6D-8892-4C51-8A84-D9C82120B4C2.png?v=1775757899","url":"https:\/\/shopofold.com\/products\/antique-french-mother-of-pearl-opera-glasses-with-folding-handle","provider":"Shop of Old","version":"1.0","type":"link"}