Chevalier Palais Royal Paris 1890 Opera Glasses Etched Brass and Coin Silver

They measure 4 inches by 2 1/2 inches telescoping to 3 1/4 inches.

They are in good condition. The lenses are free from cracks or chips. The focus mechanism works well.

Chevalier was a leading maker of opera glasses in Paris in the latter half of the 19c. Chevalier's business premises was 9-11 Passage de Petits Peres, Palais Royal, Paris.

The composition of the etched scenes has the chevalier making a gallant gesture towards a lady in 17c dress and she is fluttering her fan coquettishly and appearing to shyly incline her head in his direction. Both figures are framed by garlands of etched flowers and leaves.

The chevalier looks remarkably like d'Artagnan from Alexandre Dumas 'The three Musketeers' which was published in 1885 only a few years before these were made.Life imitated art even in those bygone days.

Item ID: PA-00450