1800s Victorian Opera Glasses Vintage Field Binoculars French Opera Glasses Theater Chevalier Jumelles Multiples Teatro store Campagna Marina

1800s Victorian Opera Glasses / Vintage Field Binoculars / Vintage French Opera Glasses / Vintage Theater Glasses / Chevalier Jumelles Multiples / Colmont / Lemaire / Teatro Campagna Marina

Although binocular opera glasses had been used since the 17th century, field glasses were a new style of large, rugged, and powerful binoculars designed for heavy duty use.

At the side of the eye piece is a screw, with 3349 written on, which when turned, the eye lenses change and the focus and distance too. The bridge store also rotates at the same time and on the bridge is written the words, 'teatro', 'campagna' and 'marina' indicating which setting they are being used in - theatre, field or marine.

After President Abraham Lincoln was shot at Ford's Theatre in 1865, the actor John Wilkes Booth was tried. Opera glasses very similar to these, although American, were a key part of the evidence.

While the origin of adjustable field glasses of this sort is yet unknown, trade literature in the Smithsonian Libraries indicates that Chevalier, an important optical house in Paris, offered "Jumelles Multiples. A trois effets" (complex binocular glasses with three settings) in 1860. Examples were also made by other Paris firms such as Colmont and Lemaire.

With thanks to www.americanhistory.si.edu

As were Booth's glasses, these are not marked with the maker's name. They are made of brass and leather. They are in fair condition as in the campagna setting one of the lenses is cracked and therefore more blurred, however, the other two settings are nice and clear. There is also a dent at the front on the brass edge.

The opera glasses measure 3 inches closed and 4 inches when expanded and are 1 5/8 inches by 4 1/4 inches

They would be a super addition to any collection, excellent display or practical piece or authentic period or stage prop.

Thanks for looking and please cast a glance at my other vintage and historical items at https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FillyGumbo?section_id=all