A superb lorgnette from my lifelong collections, this one is truly pristine and definitely wearable, usable. The lens are each in place and the magnification seems to be somewhere in the +1-2 range since I can read well with them. A fabulous and original 60" chain also in sterling silver withe the old clasp bale, sometimes referred to as a pocket watch chain, is included and is original to this lorgnette. Double the chain or use it as was popular in early to mid-1800s, tucked through a belt. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Just the pristine chain alone is valuable, but with its original c.1830-50s French lorgnette, all the more so. Both magnifying lens are in place and undamaged, ready to use. An 18k gold cartouche and pins/hinge posts dress it up just a little more, as does the beautifully worked silver edging. One of my lifelong favorites, and the tortoise shell is excellent, too.
IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or sell anything 100 years or newer; we donate to anti-poaching organizations; we don't hunt; we conserve in ways that impact global warming (we're totally solar at home), knowing those measures also protect the animals in the wild today. We also recognize the vast cultural history we preserve with our care and reverence for these antique objects, and agree with CITES that objects over 100 years of age have nothing whatsoever to do with species depletion in our current world.
Our offering exceeds the age limitation of "more than 100 years of age", and is well within the exemption for CITES regulation. If imported, met the CITES regulation. This item will be handled and shipped from our Utah business, and is not available for shipment internationally, nor within the USA to California, NY, Nevada, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington if it contains ivory, sorry. Please see our small print for more details.
