If you frequently attend live performances and still don’t have opera glasses, or if you want to buy a new pair (they are like shoes – there are never too many pairs), then this article may be useful for you. These days a stylish and quality pair of theater binoculars is an absolute must-have for any keen theater, opera or concert goer.

Tortoiseshell Black enameled.Opera Glasses Overview: from the first opera glass to the latest trends in theater binoculars 1890 Collapsible aluminum, London, c.1920 Mother-of-pearl and brass Enameled aluminum, Germany, 1880s Hand painted enamel with cherub painted on handle, Paris Rare horned mother of pearl opera glasses with handle, Paris, circa 1890 Etched brass and snake skin opera glasses Pair of Jumelles Mars “skeleton” opera glasses, made famous by Sherlock Holmes in the novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the 1890s Opera glasses made from black mother of pearl found in the French Polynesia 12K gold filled embossed with roses and leaves, Paris.

Abalone and Brass, Paris Opera glasses made from bone and brass Hand painted French enamel of flowers Ivory with tortoiseshell eyepieces, made in England by the optician to the University Hospital, 1870 Embroidered with embroidered handle and case. 1870 Brass Egyptian themed opera glass, WWII, made in occupied Japan. 1860 Japanese hallmark Negretti and Zambra French enameled scene of birds, c. Reverse side This incredible pair of opera glasses had the optics manufactured by Negretti and Zambra, opticians to the Queen, with the ivory carved in Japan, imported by an optical company in Philadelphia, and acquired from the estate of a private collector in Seattle. Often showing scenes of two lovers, they are highly valued amongst collectors for their beauty and elegance. Hand painted enamaled opera glasses were the epitome of high French fashion during the mid 19th century.

The EYEseum has a small but eclectic variety of opera glasses and lorgnettes. Just as women would try to outdo each other with hats, opera glasses gave women a chance to flamboyantly showcase their accessories. In the 1800s and early 1900s, opera glasses and lorgnettes were the mainstay of social, entertainment and sporting events. No optical museum would be complete without a collection of opera glasses.

Opera glasses the young woman