Lorgnette
c. 1840s
Gold and glass
Gift of Valerie Markwood
Object number2012.9.5
The French verb lorgner (“to have one’s eye on”) inspired the name for spectacles that were held up to the eyes using a handle. This design, known as a “spring lorgnette,” features lenses hidden inside its decorative handle that unfold at the push of a small lever.
DescriptionLorgnette in gold metal (14K gold ?) on long chain necklace with elaborately shaped sliding adjuster of scrolling shape and engraving, bottom portion of chain has design of hand holding a harness ring; collapsible hinged eyeglasses inside decorative metal case attached to necklace of elaborate scrolling relief design, push button at case side releases glasses; Victorian eraCollections
Exhibitions