Antique 1910s Burley & Co Chicago Opera glasses

Antique 1910s Burley & Co Chicago Bronze mother of pearl eye pieces and blu enameled body decorated with pictures of flowers . Adjustable Opera Glasses. Excellent Condition.

Origin: Paris, France
Dimensions: 9.5 x 6 cm

Opera Glasses

We find Opera glasses mentioned in a London advertisement as early as 1730. These were monoculars; small Galilean telescopes. The body was decorated with gems, enamel, ivory and other decorations.

It was not until 1823 in Vienna, that the first binocular opera glasses were invented and put into use. It was built of two cylinders connected with a bridge. Each eye-tube extended independently for focusing. Two years later in Paris, Pierre Lemiere improved on these, and created the center focus wheel, which allowed the focusing of both eyes together. The making of fine opera glasses entailed knowledge not only in optics. Each glass was worked on by painters, goldsmiths and other artists. By the second half of the 19th century they had become essential fashion accessories for theatre- goers. Many opera glasses were given as gifts and tributes, as can be learned from the inscriptions found on many of them.

It was not until 1823 in Vienna, that the first binocular opera glasses were invented and put into use. It was built of two cylinders connected with a bridge. Each eye-tube extended independently for focusing. Two years later in Paris, Pierre Lemiere improved on these, and created the center focus wheel, which allowed the focusing of both eyes together. The making of fine opera glasses entailed knowledge not only in optics. Each glass was worked on by painters, goldsmiths and other artists. By the second half of the 19th century they had become essential fashion accessories for theatre- goers. Many opera glasses were given as gifts and tributes, as can be learned from the inscriptions found on many of them