The base is brass with delicate beading. There is a focusing wheel of mother of pearl as are the eye pieces which are carved with the name LEFIL 8 PARIS...the wheel turns smoothly, the brass has the patina of time. The lenses are clean and clear.
There are four floral cartouches surrounded by raised (rare)pink glassine enamel jewels on a Sevres, or CELESTE, blue background with silver foil stars formally spread across its field...there are garlands of flowers navigating the diminutive circumference, top and bottom, of the enameled casings. The lorgnette is also alive with these flowers and garlands and cartouche. The delicacy of the painting is breathtaking. When a piece like this was painted there was no distinguishable difference in the colors. Until the piece was fired the entire painted area was GRAY. The artist's skills had to be immaculate. LOOK AT THE ROSES!
3 7/8" across the front of the lenses, 1 7/8" in diameter
The eye pieces are 3 5/16" across, 11 mm in diameter
The glasses are 1 7/8" tall to 2 5/16" extended fully...
Enameled casings are 13/16" tall
The lorgnette extends to 6 1/2" from the closed 3 3/4"...
There are no jewels missing, no cracks or repairs to the glasses...
However, the lorgnette has suffered: there are 7 missing jewels, there is a 12 to 13 mm crack, there is a 3 mm divot of enamel missing down to the base copper: the lorgnette is in poor to fair condition...the price reflects this.
The glasses are in superb antique condition.
Have any questions?
Contact the shop owner.
