closed: 1 15/16 in x 4 3/8 in x 2 3/4 in; 4.9276 cm x 11.1252 cm x 6.985 cm
overall in case: 3 5/16 in x 4 7/8 in x 2 3/8 in; 8.41375 cm x 12.3825 cm x 6.0325 cm
Object Name:
opera glasses
Place made:
France: Île-de-France, Paris
Date made:
1850-1900
Description:
Each eyecup of this instrument is marked “LEMAIRE FABT * PARIS *.” The objective lenses are 35 mm diameter. The frame and barrels are textured aluminum. A center wheel adjusts the focus. The carrying case is black leather with a blue silk lining.
Jacques Lemaire began making opera glasses in 1847 and was soon a major manufacturer noted for using mechanization, division of labor and interchangeable parts. M.J.B. Baille joined the firm in 1871 and took charge in 1885.
Ref: Nicholas Gilman, <i>A Dividend to Labor: A Study of Employers’ Welfare Institutions</i> (Boston and New York, 1899), pp. 297–304.
