{"product_id":"antique-negretti-zambra-opera-glasses-with-original-case-london-late-19th-century","title":"Antique Negretti \u0026 Zambra Opera Glasses with Original Case – London, Late 19th Century","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"197\" data-end=\"342\"\u003eAn elegant and authentic pair of antique opera glasses by Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra, one of the most prestigious scientific instrument makers of Victorian London.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"197\" data-end=\"342\"\u003ePresented in their original fitted case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"344\" data-end=\"631\"\u003eFounded in 1850, Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra became one of the most respected scientific instrument makers of the Victorian era, supplying precision optics and holding royal appointments. Their name is closely associated with both scientific innovation and refined social life of the 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"633\" data-end=\"793\"\u003eThese opera glasses embody that duality — a functional optical instrument and a sophisticated personal accessory once used in theatres, opera houses and salons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"795\" data-end=\"1156\"\u003eThe original case is particularly striking: lined in deep crimson velvet and stamped in gold with exhibition medals from the \u003cstrong data-start=\"920\" data-end=\"945\"\u003e1851 Great Exhibition\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"950\" data-end=\"983\"\u003e1862 International Exhibition\u003c\/strong\u003e in London. These references highlight the long-standing prestige of the maker and were used as a mark of excellence rather than indicating the production date of the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1158\" data-end=\"1315\"\u003eThe binoculars remain in working condition, offering clear vision with a smooth central focusing mechanism — a testament to the quality of their manufacture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1158\" data-end=\"1315\"\u003eA rare piece that is becoming increasingly difficult to find in complete condition with its original case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1158\" data-end=\"1315\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1326\" data-end=\"1336\"\u003ePeriod\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1339\" data-end=\"1374\"\u003eLate 19th century (circa 1880–1900)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1339\" data-end=\"1374\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1385\" data-end=\"1398\"\u003eMaterials\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1401\" data-end=\"1508\"\u003eBlack lacquered metal, leather covering, glass lenses\u003cbr data-start=\"1454\" data-end=\"1457\"\u003eOriginal leather case with velvet and gilt interior\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1401\" data-end=\"1508\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1519\" data-end=\"1528\"\u003eStyle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1531\" data-end=\"1577\"\u003eVictorian \/ Scientific Instrument \/ Grand Tour\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1531\" data-end=\"1577\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1588\" data-end=\"1601\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1604\" data-end=\"1871\"\u003eGood antique condition with visible, honest signs of age\u003cbr data-start=\"1660\" data-end=\"1663\"\u003e– light wear and patina to metal and edges\u003cbr data-start=\"1705\" data-end=\"1708\"\u003e– minor surface marks consistent with use\u003cbr data-start=\"1749\" data-end=\"1752\"\u003e– leather covering aged but intact\u003cbr data-start=\"1786\" data-end=\"1789\"\u003e– original case with wear and softening of structure\u003cbr data-start=\"1841\" data-end=\"1844\"\u003e– optics remain clear and usable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1604\" data-end=\"1871\"\u003eA small internal mark, typical of age, is visible when looking through the lenses but does not affect the ability to focus or use the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1873\" data-end=\"1917\"\u003eA well-preserved and fully authentic example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1873\" data-end=\"1917\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1928\" data-end=\"1942\"\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"132\" data-end=\"244\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"132\" data-end=\"150\"\u003eOpera glasses:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"150\" data-end=\"153\"\u003eLength: 11 cm (4.3 in)\u003cbr data-start=\"175\" data-end=\"178\"\u003eHeight (extended): 10 cm (3.9 in)\u003cbr data-start=\"211\" data-end=\"214\"\u003eHeight (folded): 7.5 cm (3 in)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"246\" data-end=\"306\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"246\" data-end=\"255\"\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"255\" data-end=\"258\"\u003eLength: 12 cm (4.7 in)\u003cbr data-start=\"280\" data-end=\"283\"\u003eHeight: 8.5 cm (3.3 in)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"246\" data-end=\"306\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2017\" data-end=\"2036\"\u003eUse \/ Placement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2039\" data-end=\"2256\"\u003eA refined decorative object for a study, library or cabinet of curiosities\u003cbr data-start=\"2113\" data-end=\"2116\"\u003ePerfect for collectors of antique optical instruments and Victorian objects\u003cbr data-start=\"2191\" data-end=\"2194\"\u003eAlso a distinctive and meaningful gift with historical depth. A piece that brings a sense of history and quiet elegance into any interior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2039\" data-end=\"2256\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2267\" data-end=\"2287\"\u003eCollector’s Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2290\" data-end=\"2541\"\u003ePieces by Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra are sought after for their connection to early scientific instrumentation and Victorian craftsmanship. Examples retaining their original case — especially with clearly printed exhibition medals — are increasingly desirable.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Morante Boutique","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52965845205258,"sku":null,"price":280.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0945\/4292\/1994\/files\/IMG_20260501_202536.jpg?v=1777667579","url":"https:\/\/moranteboutique.com\/products\/antique-negretti-zambra-opera-glasses-with-original-case-london-late-19th-century","provider":"Morante Boutique","version":"1.0","type":"link"}