"Come A Little Closer, My Dear"

SOLD Antique Art Deco Silver, Marcasite & Enamel Lorgnette Spectacles

  • Sale
  • $395.00
  • Regular price $450.00


Simply put, a lorgnette is a pair of spectacles (glasses) mounted on a handle. The word comes from the French lorgne which means “to take a sidelong look at”. Lorngettes were invented in England by George Adams circa 1770 and remained popular into the early 1800s as more elaborate forms were created.

This Art Deco pair is made of silver and is hinged at the nose piece, folding compactly to fit neatly into a pocket or reticule for easy access. They could also be fastened to a chain with a dog clip. Lovely Art Deco motifs embellish the handle, with Marcasite and cobalt blue enamel running throughout the pattern.  Perfect for perusing a piece of correspondence, or to examine a rare bloom in one's hothouse, they give the wearer an attractive and quaint manner in which to magnify matters.

Details (approximate)

Dimensions: 4 1/8" Long; 2 3/8" handle

Weight: 32.5 grams

Materials: Silver, glass

Marks: None

Condition: Excellent antique condition

LORL, LOE