As seen worn in late 1700s to earliest 1800s, the pair of opera or reading glasses shown are French, beautifully crafted and with large bale, were worn on long gold chain or long silk velvet ribbon and tucked to Empire waist belt. A fashion accessory, the hinge opened fully if one wishes to share a glass with a friend or companion. One might see this one in prints, images, portrait miniatures of elegant people in that time, to include the Incroyables et Merveilleuse (Incredibles and Marvelous) young people of 1790-95 Paris. Full measurements noted on photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, the ormolu has gold plate, and the 2 original glass roundels are intact though 1 has a little glazing as is seen in old glass. It can be seen on an image for review. All else is quite exceptional and exquisitely well-preserved. Fine for costumery, display, jewelry use.
