Opera Glasses
Object Details
- Description
- The words “12 Verres” on the crosspiece probably indicate that this instrument was made in France. They also indicate that each eye lens and each objective lens is a triple achromat, a design that was developed by Joseph Petzval, a professor of mathematics at the University of Vienna, and introduced to practice by Voightländer & Sohn in the early 1840s. Because of this design, the optics are exceedingly good. The objectives lenses are 44 mm diameter. The frame is gilt metal. The barrels and eyecups are covered with mother of pearl, as is the center wheel that adjusts the focus. The case is dark leather lined with magenta silk.
- Ref: Charles Chevalier, Catalogue Explicatif et Illustré des Instruments d’Optique et de Météorologie (Paris, 1860), p. 17.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Credit Line
- Jane and Mary Henle
- mid 19th century
- ID Number
- PH.336796
- catalog number
- 336796
- accession number
- 1978.2216
- Object Name
- opera glasses
- Measurements
- overall: 10 1/2 in; 26.67 cm
- overall in case: 4 1/2 in x 6 1/4 in x 3 in; 11.43 cm x 15.875 cm x 7.62 cm
- place made
- France
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences
- Science & Mathematics
- Optics
- National Museum of American History
- Record ID
- nmah_1456689
- Metadata Usage (text)
- CC0
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ae-0f01-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
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