Antique Chevalier Paris Opera Glasses Field Glasses Binoculars Made in France

Chevalier were renowned opticians in Paris and are often confused with the equally celebrated company Chevallier (with 2 ls ) of the same city. Both businesses were formed in the 18th century and continued throughout the 19th century passing from one generation to the next. Charles Chevalier set up in business alone from his father Vincent, who had founded the company in 1765, before he re-joined the family in 1841 and became the firm's driving force through the greater part of the 19th century. In time, Charles' son Louis Marie Arthur (known as Arthur) took over. Charles was involved in the early development of the camera and exhibited at both the 1855 Paris International Exposition and the 1878 Paris Exposition. The quality of the Chevalier's work was recognised with the award of 13 medals. The main address for the company was 158 Palais-Royal. The business continued through the first World War into the 1920s. Leather Grips Weight: 15.5 oz Dimensions: 4.5ʺ W × 4.5ʺ D × 2ʺ H Materials: Glass, Metal, Plastic Country of Origin: France Period: Late 19th Century Condition: All manner of condition issues, therefore this piece is for display, theater prop, etc. Peeling/missing leather, dented eyepiece (this eyepiece spins all the way around), cracked eyepiece, and expected general wear. The black focus wheel works well (lenses rise up & down, 2nd pic). Nice decorative piece. Thank you for shopping with us! 03000