Theatre Binoculars in Metal and Leather, 1930

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Theater Binoculars / Impaler, Metal and Leather, ca. 1930 – United Kingdom

Extraordinary theater or opera binoculars, also known as … Read more Theater Binoculars / Impaler, Metal and Leather, ca. 1930 – United Kingdom

Extraordinary theater or opera binoculars, also known as Galilean binoculars or impaler binoculars, are of English manufacture from the first quarter of the 20th century. This compact optical device was historically used in theatrical and operatic performances to view stage details. It is a small, compact, and lightweight piece, designed for easy indoor use, and therefore typically has low magnification, optimized for the balance between magnification and field of view required in a theater. The elegant design combines materials such as silver-plated metal and leather, present on both the body and the handle. It is precisely this handle that gives them the name "impertinent," referring to the single-temple lenses of the 19th century.

Material: Metal, leather
Period: 1930s
Country of origin: England
Dimensions: 14.5 x 11 x 7 cm

Condition: Good condition for its age and use
Provenance: Private collection See less