Description
This listing is for a beautiful pair of antique French opera glasses by Établissements AFSA of Paris, dating from approximately the early 20th century, circa 1900–1920.
The binoculars are engraved: ETABLTS AFSA – PARIS and CHRYSIS
They feature an elegant gilt brass body decorated with panels of genuine-looking iridescent mother-of-pearl, together with flared eyepieces and a central focusing wheel.
The mother-of-pearl panels display attractive pink, green and cream iridescence depending on the light.
The opera glasses are accompanied by their period suede/leather purse-style case with metal frame and clasp.
These compact Galilean opera glasses were designed for theatre, opera and concert use and are typical of the decorative optical accessories produced in Paris during the Belle Époque and early 20th century.
Details:
- Maker: Établissements AFSA
- Marking: ETABLTS AFSA PARIS
- Model/name: CHRYSIS
- Origin: Paris, France
- Approximate date: c.1900–1920
- Type: Opera / theatre glasses
- Optical design: Galilean
- Materials: Gilt brass, glass and mother-of-pearl
- Objective lens diameter: 17mm
- Central focusing mechanism
- Diopter adjustment at the right eyepiece
- Adjustable interpupillary distance via the central hinge
- Compact size (when open): 90mm (W) x 65mm (H) x 35mm (D)
- Weight: 260 g
- Original/period fitted purse-style case included
Condition:
The opera glasses are in very attractive antique condition overall.
The gilt brass retains a strong bright finish with some light age-related marks, spotting and surface wear. The mother-of-pearl panels remain attractive with good iridescence. The optics are intact and generally clean. The objective lenses, eyepieces, and accessible prism surfaces have been lightly cleaned. The binoculars produce a clear image for their age. There appears to be some remaining dust, possibly beneath the prism surfaces, but this does not noticeably affect optical performance.
General wear consistent with age and use.
The accompanying case shows more noticeable age-related wear, including rubbing, staining and marks to the suede/leather exterior.
Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and show the cosmetic condition in detail.
An elegant example of early 20th-century Parisian theatre accessories and a particularly decorative collectible for enthusiasts of antique optics, opera glasses, mother-of-pearl objects or French decorative arts.
