Iridescent Mother-of-Pearl Opera Glasses

A refined pair of antique opera glasses, crafted in brass and beautifully inlaid with iridescent mother-of-pearl panels. The luminous pearlescent tones shimmer with shifting hues, complementing the warm brass frame with timeless elegance.

Opera glasses like these were an essential accessory for 19th- and early 20th-century theatergoers, both practical for viewing performances and symbolic of cultured refinement. Their compact size and exquisite detailing made them as much a fashion statement as a functional tool. Today, they remain a collectible piece of social history and an enchanting decorative object.

Materials & Craftsmanship

• Brass frame with natural patina

• Iridescent mother-of-pearl inlay

• Adjustable focus wheel for functionality

Origin & Era

• France

• Late 19th–early 20th century

Condition Notes

Good antique condition with age-appropriate wear. Brass shows warm patina; mother-of-pearl retains luminous iridescence with one small crack present on the shell. Optics intact with light vintage clouding.