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Opera glass

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made in London

Opera glass
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This monocular opera glass or spy-glass (pictured here with its fitted case) was made in the late 18th century by Jesse Ramsden (1735-1800), a scientific instrument maker based in London. It was used by gentlemen of fashion or ladies at the opera and was more a scientific toy than a scientific instrument.

The opera glass has an oxidised outer brass tube painted in red and yellow enamel stripes. The inner single silver draw tube is engraved 'RAMSDEN / LONDON'. The fitted case is covered in red morocco leather and red plush within.

Opera glasses are mentioned as early as the 1730s in advertisements of London optical instrument makers. These were small telescopes, often decorated extravagantly, befitting their intended use as luxury items, and their magnifying power was slight.

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