Antique French Folding Tortoise Shell Lorgnette, Spectacles, Reading Glasses, Case, Etui
Mid to late 1800s, the necessity of a reading glass, but one crafted after the quizzing glass of earlier in the century - the folding lorgnette. Made to wear on a long gold chain or a cord, ribbon around one's neck, long and tucked at one's belt or waist when not in use. The pendant set has a release lever and mechanism which protects the lenses when not in use, and a fine cognac to chocolate tortoise shell plaques mounted front and back. This one is in superb condition, partly owing to a hand-crafter leather case which came with it. Measurements are noted on the photos. Very good to excellent throughout. The lenses are clean and intact. Mechanism works perfectly. Bale is ready for your own long gold chain or laniard. I can't be exact for you on magnification, but it seems not to be very much. Just enough to read with, perhaps a +1 to +2, no stronger. With the lenses together, not unfolded, it works as a quizzing glass or small magnifying glass, too. IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique t