Large Antique French Lorgnette, Tortoise Shell with 18k Gold, Pendant, Incroyables

A spectacular late 18th century to earliest 19th century French lorgnette, quizzing scope style with 1 1/2″ diameter double lenses that also come together as a magnifying glass. An early set, large bale (not included in full measurements you’ll find on the photos) and would be worn on a long chain or long ribbon, tucked through belt. This one is undamaged, and beautiful in fine tortoise shell handle and with 18k gold mounts. Separate the lens for 2 people to use it (wide pose) or bring together to fit eye distance for one, overlap the 2 and it’s a magnifying glass and beautiful fashion statement. Larger than most. These were fashionable c.1795-99 with the exaggerated fashions of the Incroyables et Merveilleuse. 

Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Both lens fully intact and, while I can’t measure the magnification, I’d say it’s between +2-3. Superb body is entirely tortoise shell and has no damage or loss, and the entire piece is in superb condition. I only partially polished it. The French goldsmith’s marks are shown. I see no flaws to note, operating smoothly.  Full measurements noted on the photos. 

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.