Description
This folding opera glass with integrated compass is a fine example of Victorian-era ingenuity, where utility and elegance walk hand in hand. Crafted entirely from brass, each part is carefully shaped and fitted to fold neatly into a compact pair of binoculars, ideal for discreet viewing at the theater or during a gentleman’s travels. When turned on its side, the device reveals a functioning compass,a crucial aid for navigation long before the age of electronic instruments. The opera glass rests within a wooden box, skillfully constructed and adorned with brass inlays that mirror the materials and style of the instrument itself. The glass lid features acid-etched instructions, reflecting the era’s focus on detailed workmanship and practical use.
- Measurements: 4″ x 4″
Fun fact: Folding opera glasses with integrated compasses were often prized by 19th-century adventurers and theater patrons alike, combining the need for direction with the desire to observe distant scenes,all in one compact device.