RARE c.1790s French Folding Lorgnette Spectacles, Incroyables et Merveilleux Jewelry, Fashion

Red box is not included – just an Antiques & Uncommon Treasure photo prop. You’re looking at a fine and very rare folding spectacles, typically worn on a very long chain, combination quizzing scope or opera glass, reading glass, the lenses are in fine order, clear, and are about a +1.5 to +2 magnification (based on my reading glasses test, not optician). Doubled, they operate as a magnifying glass. We’ve had portraits showing these, most of which were the charming and avant-garde young fashionistas of the c.1795-99 movement in France known as the Incroyables et Merveilleux (Incredibles and Marvelous). Exaggerated glamour, wealthy youth protesting The Terror (guillotined Royals, Royalists). They’re so rare to find with lens in place, wearable for costume or movie authenticity, these will likely end up in a period set/movie/series. Measurements noted on photos. 

Very good to excellent condition for age and type. The metal is not karat gold, quite sure, unless it is low. I did not test but should. If it is, I’ll annotate. The value is mostly ini the age and type, rarity. Museum pieces. One would wear these on a very long gold chain, tucked into belt at bodice and dangling. They do open wider, wide enough that 2 people can share, each with one lens. Such fun. jewelry