Oxford-style Sterling Silver Lorgnette (Spectacles) with Retractible Lenses

Description

Sterling Silver Lorgnette spectacles with Retractible Lenses with brocade motif! A lorgnette is a pair of spectacles with a handle mount vs. frame that go over the ears. This attractive example, featuring Sterling Silver floral etching, has retractible lenses for easy storage-and so you can easily whip them out and expand them with a dramatic flourish. They spring loaded. The lenses are strong and have seen better days. If you are a wearer of spectacles or even reading glasses and have a flair costume drama, these are the opticals for you. 

Lorgnettes were worn ladies and some gentleman from the late 1700s to the 1930s. They were often worn around the neck as pendants on long chains. This Oxford-style Sterling Silver Lorgnette dates from the Edwardian period.

For more on Lorgnettes check out this article from the Indiana University