France, Paris, ca. 1900 CE. This is a charming and complementary pair of antique binoculars. One, the larger of the two, is made by Chevalier Opticien; the other by Lemaire Fabt. Both have brass, iron, and leather components; both are also still functional. The larger of the two is still able to be focused while the smaller one seems to have rusted up -- though you might be able to restore it! Armand Lemaire founded his optical apparatus firm in 1846, situated on the Rue Oberkampf numbers 22 & 26; the firm produced goods from binoculars and opera glasses to even a brief experiment with making cars before going out of business in 1955. Chevalier has a longer history, beginning in the 1760s before ending in the 1900s; their most famous products, and the ones most commonly seen today are binoculars like these and opera glasses. Both are fine examples of turn-of-the-20th-century French craftsmanship. Size of largest: 6-1/2"H x 5-1/4"L x 2-1/2"W (16.5 cm x 13.3 cm x 6.4 cm).

Provenance: Ex-Historia Antiques, James Caswell, Santa Monica, CA

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#110838

Both are intact with lenses remaining; the larger of the two is still able to be focused. Both have patinas and some wear to the bodies.