A spectacular late 18th century to earliest 19th century French lorgnette, quizzing scope style with 1 1/2" diameter double lenses that also come together as a magnifying glass. An early set, these are shown in intaglio prints of the young Incroyables et Merveilleuses of Paris, c.1795-99. This one is very slightly damaged, but beautiful in colorful mother of pearl sheath handle and nickel silver mounts. Separate the lens for 2 people to use it (wide pose) or bring together to fit eye distance for one, overlap the 2 and it's a magnifying glass and beautiful fashion statement. Larger than most.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Both lens intact but a fine tight crack across one, and, while I can't measure the magnification, I'd say it's between +1-2. Superb mother of pearl handle has a tight hairline at mount on one end (see images). Overall, age considered the entire piece is in superb condition. I only partially polished it. I find no marks, our silversmith mentioned it as nickel silver, which is below French .800/1000 2nd Minerve grade and would not have required silver mark. Polishes as silver, however. I see no mechanical flaws to note, operating smoothly.
