A pair of French opera glasses by Sportiere of Paris, marked SPORTIERE PARIS around the eyepieces, with a low-relief scene of songbirds among branches, grapevines, and clustered berries wrapped around a darkened silvered body.

Brass barrels and base rings warm the cooler metal, and the silvered eyepiece cups frame the optics. A knurled thumbwheel between the barrels drives the center focus.

These were the pocket telescopes of the theater and the racecourse — small enough to tuck into an evening bag, decorated to be looked at as much as looked through. 

The condition is good considering the age with the optics working perfectly.

• Maker: Sportiere, Paris
• Origin: France — marked "MADE IN FRANCE" on the crossbar, "SPORTIERE PARIS" on the eyepieces
• Era: Early 20th century (c. 1900–1920)
• Materials: Brass barrels and fittings, silvered cast-metal body, glass optics
• Mechanism: Central thumbwheel focus
• Decoration: Cast relief — birds, branches, grapevine, berries
• Condition: Vintage; age-appropriate wear and patina, optics clear
• One of one — sold as a single vintage piece
• Presented in our signature Last Manner velvet soft bag  

Dimensions: ~ 4” x 3” x 1.5”

Weight: 9.1oz

Sold AS-IS. FINAL SALE.