Superb Antique French Solid 18ct Yellow Gold Folding Lorgnette Circa 1900-1920’s
Please note, chains are for display only unless otherwise stated.
An outstanding example dating to the early 19th century this superb solid 18ct gold Lorgnette is a must for the collector.
French in manufacture and stamped with the French Eagles Head for 18ct gold in at least four places, and designed in typical form as a ‘folding’ Lorgnette with a spring loaded release to extend the lenses perfectly.
Of heavy and substantial form weighing a lovely 26 grams, and measuring a very wearable 11cm, and the lenses are divine! They magnify beautifully… both opened and, importantly we believe, closed also. One can wear this magnificent Lorgnette while ‘antique shopping’ or to your favourite antique fair and use as a very fancy ‘loupe’ to view prospective purchases! (See video).
The term Lorgnette derives from the French word lorgner – meaning “to ogle” or “to eye furtively”… popular from the late eighteenth century through the Art Deco period, and making a revival during the 1950’s by The Duchess of Windsor / Wallis Simpson, who is believed to have owned quite the collection!
An heirloom piece in the making, wearable, functional and in stunning condition, solid 18ct gold, what more can one ask!
STONES
None
MEASUREMENTS
Length - 11cm
Each lens - 3.7cm
Extended lens to lens - 9cm
WEIGHT
26 Grams
MARKS
Stamped with the French Eagles head x 4 for 18ct gold
Centre push/pull release would be in Platinum
ERA
Early 1900’s to Art Deco era
CONDITION
Very good to excellent antique condition. Original lenses which magnify beautifully, we’d gauge x15 magnification or thereabouts, with no distortion. Release and fold function works perfectly. No repairs, or damage. Minor marks to lenses and gold only, noting for accuracy. A superb solid gold French lorgnette.
Laybys & Hold Policy
Do you have your eye on a fabulous piece but need some extra time to
pay? At Graisons, we offer suitable layby terms for pieces priced $400 AUD and above. Contact us for more details.
Purchase Guide & Refund Policy
For information regarding our Purchase Guide & Returns Policy, please click here
Shipping & Delivery
Free Complimentary Express Shipping: Australia & Select International Countries.
We are pleased to offer free complimentary express postage, fully insured with tracking and signature on delivery using Australia Post.
For all international purchases, a third party postal company will complete the final stage of delivery.
Orders are dispatched within one-two business days of purchase. Once complete, a tracking number will be forwarded to you via email notification.
We are currently shipping to the following international countries:
UK, USA, CANADA, SINGAPORE, NEW ZEALAND, HONG KONG.
PLEASE NOTE: Any duties imposed by countries for importing our items are the buyers responsibility. Please contact your local customs agency if you wish to discuss potential rates and fees.
Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery
We absolutely pride ourselves on sourcing the best quality pieces for our customers, with many of our items valued by our registered jeweller/gemologist.
Our collection consists of pieces that are of antique and vintage condition, which means that all our items are secondhand and used. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' and 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfection. Any condition issues are always extensively mentioned in the condition summary.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions prior to purchase. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that these descriptions and pictures are carefully viewed and any questions are asked prior to the transaction taking place.
Please refer to our guide, Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery for more details.
Your Purchase: What Is Included?
Your purchase will be lovingly packaged in our custom made, eco-friendly Graisons Fine Jewellery Jewel box tied with ribbon inside our custom made packaging/mailing box.
For added safety and security, all purchases are shipped inside an Australia Post medium sized mailing box.
If your item includes an independent valuation, the physical certificate will be included.
Choose options