Through out the 19th and 20th century opera glasses were in popular use for the wealthy. It was a very fashionable pasttime to visit the opera and ballet, and a fine pair of opera glasses would be a necessity. For ladies these came in several materials, from mother of pearl and silver, to very fine enamelled glasses. For gentleman these would be more robust and were usually covered in various leathers and could sometimes double up as field glasses.
 
These are a pair of leather covered gentleman's binoculars with adjustable sights from the early 20th century.
 
In good condition
 
Dimensions : 9.5cm high when extended, 8.5cm high when retracted.