Bring your auction to collectors worldwide!
Get listed nowBy subscribing, you are agreeing to the privacy policy. Unsubscribe anytime.
Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Nautica, Technica & Optic / Zoom binoculars - Betsy Ross-US-Export Modell - 1876 - France - Colmont & Cie
Presented is a distinguished, historic and storied opera lorgnette with a lorgnette, from the famous Parisian optician manufactory Colmont & Cie! Fire-gilded brass iridescent mother-of-pearl lorgnette with a mother-of-pearl surround. Extended dimensions approximately: Height: 5.5 cm Width: 9.5 cm Depth: 4 cm Lorgnette length: approximately 12 cm Clear view and magnification are provided! The lenses and eyepieces can be easily removed for cleaning—cleaned. Focusing a little stiff. Rarity for collectors and lovers of the founding history of the USA! The original engraving “Colmont Paris” is finely placed on the middle bridge and the bottom center. A hexagonal star, with a C in the middle. The opera glass is in a very good and well-kept original condition (see photos). Optics & mechanism: The lenses offer a clear view. The central focusing wheel runs a little stiff and precisely sharpens the optics. Materials: The mother-of-pearl is excellently preserved, intact and shows no major cracks, chips, or defects. Seamless and perfect transitions—masterfully crafted! The fire-gilded brass has a minimal, authentic patina. A dream object for collectors of historical optics, theatergoers, or lovers of noble antiques! A special feature here is the lorgnette clad in iridescent mother-of-pearl, whose end cap displays the 13 founding states of the United States of America. Manufactured and dated to 1876—for the 100th anniversary! The world-renowned manufactory Colmont & Cie exported a large portion of its high-end theater glasses overseas. Opera glasses were the ultimate status and fashion symbol for the wealthy upper class when visiting the Metropolitan Opera in New York or Boston during the Gilded Age (c. 1870–1900). By placing the distinctive 13-star pattern (often inspired by historical US military buttons or patriotic seals) on the grip, they gave the opulent accessory a personal, exclusive touch for the American buyer base. Function of the end piece The round, embossed plate serves two purposes on the grip (the lorgnette): The optical finish: The grip: The relief of the embossed stars provided the thumb or fingers with extra grip during long theater performances. Sometimes the end cap was also used as a seal stamp with wax for documents! The 13 founding states of the USA were the original British colonies on the East Coast that declared their independence in 1776. The 13 founding states at a glance: Virginia New Hampshire Rhode Island Massachusetts Maryland Connecticut North Carolina South Carolina Delaware New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Georgia The Betsy Ross motif: The circular 13-star pattern confirms that this French optics piece was either imported by an American luxury department store (such as Tiffany & Co. or Jaccard's) or a US citizen commissioned this motif in France on his “Grand Tour.” Anecdote about the motif: According to the family tale, told publicly by their grandson William Canby in 1870 (nearly 100 years later), the following happened: In June 1776 George Washington, Robert Morris and George Ross (a relative of their late husband) visited their workshop. They showed them the design for a new flag. It featured square, hexagonal stars. Betsy Ross allegedly convinced George Washington that five-pointed stars were easier to cut and looked better visually. She demonstrated with a single cut how to fold a perfect five-pointed star. Due to the full-surface mother-of-pearl grip and the combination with fire gilding as well as the rare “Betsy Ross” end cap, the realistic market value of this piece is 400 to 450 euros. Especially interesting for the American market! Colmont & Cie (often referred to as Colmont et Cie Paris) was a renowned French optics firm founded in 1864 in Paris. The company gained international fame in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for its high-quality optical devices Dear buyers! All information has been provided to the best of my knowledge and belief. I generally strive for an exact and precise description. My description is often based on historical research and extensive inquiries! Should a piece unexpectedly not meet your expectations, I politely ask for feedback. There is always a mutually satisfactory solution for everything! With kind regards Fred FROM A CURRENT MATTER! PLEASE BID ONLY IF YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY! YOU WILL ONLY HARM YOURSELF; OTHER INTERESTS AND ALSO ME! PLEASE CHOOSE A MEANINGFUL HOBBY! Please pay attention to correct address details! And track your purchase with the provided tracking number. If you are not present at delivery, provide the carrier with a neighbor or an access point for delivery! Costs for returns and re-shipment are entirely at your expense! Please avoid this. Please pay attention to correct address details! And track your purchase with the provided tracking number. If you are not present at delivery, provide the carrier with a neighbor or an access point for delivery! Costs for returns and re-shipment are entirely at your expense! Please avoid this. Shipping is individual, depending on the country, with UPS-DHL-EXPRESS! No shipping to war zones!!! Costs also include packaging costs. Double boxing, inflatable bubble wrap, drainage and styrofoam if needed. Recycled cardboard, for the sake of the environment Additional tape labeling: Handle with care—Fragile Glass! To enable damage-free shipping. Additional transport insurance against loss or damage! Fast express shipping for quick receipt. Please note this when placing a bid! Thank you!
Estimate:£187.1
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorNautica, Technica & Optic
Estimate:
£187.1
Bring your auction to collectors worldwide!
Get listed now
