Antique Optometrist Tool, 6 Magnification Lorgnette Spectacles in Case, Tortoise Shell, c.1870s

I have had these in a bin for decades – something fun found ages ago in France. The piece is a late 1800s Optometry tool, folds neatly into itself but can be opened one magnification at a time to test which a patient will need. The magnification levels vay and each lens has an incised number or code so a patient’s prescription can be ground to perfect need.  Isn’t it fun!  OR, one can use it as a lorgnette. The tortoise shell is deep dark chocolate color, beautifully crafted. Measurements are noted on the photos. Could, technically, be used as opera glasses, perhaps, and hung as a pendant on a ribbon or chain.

Very good to excellent condition throughout, with a single tiny flaw: an old repair to rim of one lens, marked on photos with x for your review. All the lenses are clear, intact. Outer cover panels are thick and have an elegant beveled edge, silver pins and hinge pin.  Very high quality item. Simple and easy for house calls.

IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or sell anything 100 years or newer; we donate to anti-poaching organizations; we don’t hunt; we conserve in ways that impact global warming (we’re totally solar at home), knowing those measures also protect the animals in the wild today. We also recognize the vast cultural history we preserve with our care and reverence for these antique objects, and agree with CITES that objects over 100 years of age have nothing whatsoever to do with species depletion in our current world. 

Our offering exceeds the age limitation of “more than 100 years of age”, and is well within the exemption for CITES regulation. If imported, met the CITES regulation. This item will be handled and shipped from our Utah business, and is not available for shipment internationally, nor within the USA to California, NY, Nevada, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington if it contains ivory, sorry. Please see our small print for more details.