French Opera Glasses c. 1920s – Vintage Leather & Brass Binoculars

For the theater lover … an attractive, finely-preserved pair of early 20th-century French opera glasses, extensively inscribed for the International Opera Glass Company of Gerrard Street, London.  Wrapped in rich brown leather, and still perfectly functional, this compact instrument retains crisp brass detailing and the company’s red anchor emblem on the lower bridge. Likely dating to the 1920s or 30s, they would make a standout addition to a gentleman’s display shelf, writing desk, or theater-inspired collection.

Opera glasses like these were rented to patrons at London’s grand theaters—essential accessories for the opera, ballet, or West End drama. Compact and elegant, they offered a convenient and discreet means to admire the stage in full detail, without the bulk of field binoculars. 

The International Opera Glass Company, based in London’s Soho district, specialized in supplying well-made French optics to theaters and gentleman’s clubs throughout the city. Their marked instruments, especially those bearing the red anchor, have become highly collectible—distinctive remnants of a bygone theatrical era.

Size: 4-1/8” x 1-1/8” x 2-3/8”
Weight: 10.5 oz.

Condition notes: Excellent vintage condition overall. Optics are clear and fully functional, with a smoothly operating focus mechanism. Leather wrap shows light creasing and minor wear consistent with age and use, but remains well-adhered and richly toned. Brass fittings exhibit mild tarnish and darkening; we have taken care not to polish extensively in order to preserve the original patina.  Inscriptions are crisp and well-defined throughout, including: “PROPERTY OF THE INTERNATIONAL,” “OPERA GLASS CT, LONDON,” “MADE IN FRANCE,” “GERRARD ST. W.1. LONDON,” and a red anchor emblem on the lower bridge. See photos for more detail and feel free to contact the shop with any questions before purchase.  Watch and flask not included.

Unless noted, all items are hand-wrapped and gift-boxed.  We offer flat rate shipping via USPS Ground Advantage for $10, or USPS Priority Mail for $15.  Orders over $100 ship free via USPS Priority Mail.  We pack with safety and care using recycled and recyclable materials whenever possible.