French Antique Lorgnette

*****Condition:

Please note the unfolded frame does not stay up without holding the edge of the frame itself. I imagine this is owing to its usage for almost 200 years. Normally, one would be able to hold the case and peer through the lenses.

Also, the lenses do have scratches and two chips in one corner of one side and one chip in one corner of the other side. The last photo shows these chips clearly.

Please examine the photos carefully and do let me know if you would like more photos as I will be happy to oblige.

This French lorgnette, dating from the early 1800s (probably close to 1838), was purchased at the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen in September 2022.

There are two crab hallmarks and one rabbit hallmark on the frame. The rabbit hallmark dates from between 1819-1838 and is a Paris guaranty mark for objects that have been exported and then imported back into France. The crab hallmark denotes silver purity of 800/1000.

When opened and unfolded, the spectacles and case measure approximately 7" in length. When closed, the case measures 3", not including the bale.

This piece can be worn by placing a chain, ribbon or cord through the bale.

*****Condition:

Please note the unfolded frame does not stay up without holding the edge of the frame itself. I imagine this is owing to its usage for almost 200 years. Normally, one would be able to hold the case and peer through the lenses.

Also, the lenses do have scratches and two chips in one corner of one side and one chip in one corner of the other side. The last photo shows these chips clearly.

Please examine the photos carefully and do let me know if you would like more photos as I will be happy to oblige.

Thank you for looking.