{"product_id":"19th-c-french-mother-of-pearl-opera-glasses","title":"19th C. French Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses","description":"\u003cp\u003eOpera glasses emerged as an essential accessory during the 19th century, a period of refined elegance and sophisticated entertainment. These diminutive optical instruments became indispensable at theaters, ballets, and social gatherings throughout Europe, particularly in France, a nation renowned for its luxury craftsmanship and aesthetic refinement.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrench artisans of the 1800s perfected the art of creating opera glasses with extraordinary attention to detail. This particular example showcases mother of pearl inlay, a hallmark of quality opera glasses from the Victorian and Belle Époque eras. Mother of pearl, harvested from abalone and other shells, was favored for its luminous quality, durability, and ability to catch light elegantly during evening performances. The material was often combined with gilt metal or brass fittings, creating pieces that were both functional optical instruments and decorative fashion statements.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe construction of these glasses reflects the engineering precision of 19th-century French manufacturing. Typically ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 inches in length, opera glasses featured adjustable eyepieces and focusing mechanisms, allowing theatergoers to view distant performers with clarity. The mother of pearl casing provided not only aesthetic appeal but also practical advantages—it was lighter than solid metal, more durable than lacquered wood, and resistant to damage from handling and storage.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOwnership of fine opera glasses signified social standing and cultural engagement. They were treasured possessions, often passed down through generations, and served as both functional accessories and symbols of refined taste.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurements: \u003cspan\u003e5\" W x 5\" H x 2.25\" D (Adjustable)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNotes: \u003cspan\u003eBeautiful antique condition with age-appropriate wear. One small crack is present to a section of the mother-of-pearl, subtle in appearance and not detracting from the overall beauty or presentation of the piece.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Soul Fed Home","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51796113490241,"sku":"26001473","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0773\/9549\/3185\/files\/AE6EAF13-23C5-480F-8BF9-817D6787EA95.png?v=1789016258","url":"https:\/\/soulfedhome.com\/products\/19th-c-french-mother-of-pearl-opera-glasses","provider":"Soul Fed Home","version":"1.0","type":"link"}