Around this same time, opera glasses were invented in Vienna and LeMaire quickly began to make the finest opera glasses in Paris, and in the world. In 1839, a version of the Magic Lantern called the Polyorama Panoptique, was produced by LeMaire. Their work with Magic Lanterns, a lighted box that could be used to view pictures, in the 1700's helped pave the way for early cinematography. LeMaire has been a name known around the world since 1650, when Jacques LeMaire and his son Pierre became famous in Paris as makers of optical instruments. $30.00 plus 1.5% replacement cost insurance.

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Condition: Good with minor wear but difficult to adjust. Center bar marked, 'Made in France / bee mark / 61.' With handle. Condition: Good with scattered wear and small chips near lens.Ĥ) Eye pieces marked, 'Lemaire Fabt / Paris and Shreve & Co / San Francisco.' Late 19th / early 20th century. Center bar marked, '12 Lens / Bee mark / patent date / C.L.D.' Center handle. Condition: Significant wear, scratches.ģ) Eye pieces marked, 'Lemaire Fabt / Paris and Shreve & Co / San Francisco.' Late 19th / early 20th century. Condition: Surface wear.Ģ) Eye pieces marked, 'Geo C. If made for the American or British market, the words 'Fabt/ Fabricant Paris' have been translated to “Made in France” on the central brace and indicate a date after 1891 or 1887 respectively.Four San Francisco Mother of Pearl opera glasses.ġ) Eye pieces marked, 'H.S. Jacques Lemaire began making military and civilian binoculars and opera glasses in 1847 and was soon a major manufacturer noted for using mechanization, division of labor and interchangeable parts. Materials and techniques: Leather, metal, brass, optical glass.Ĭondition: Good with appropriate patina for age.ĭimensions: H 3.25 in.

Overall the piece is in good condition with appropriate patina for its age. The frame is a wrapped in leather and the barrels are brass. The objective lenses are 28mm in diameter and their optics are good. They are marked on each eyepiece with 'Le Maire Fabt. This is an original pair of French opera glasses manufactured by Le Maire Fabt.

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