Collection Search
Mary Todd Lincoln's opera glasses
- Creator:
- Lafontaine Optn.
- Location:
- France, Paris
- Origin Date:
- 1860-1870
- Materials:
- metal, glass, mineral
- Measurements:
- overall: 1 3/4 in x 4 1/4 in x 3 1/4 in
- Item ID:
- 71.2009.082.0020a-b
- Holding Institution:
- Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum
- Available for Viewing:
- No
- Category:
- Three-dimensional Objects
Description
Mary Todd Lincoln's gilt metal and mother-of-pearl opera glasses and protective bag. a) The glasses feature gilt brass telescoping ocular tubes with four ground glass lenses, focus gear carved from thick shell or horn, and lathe-turned threaded eyepieces lined with mother-of-pearl and engraved with the manufacturer's label: "Lafontaine Optn. 18, Palais-Royale." The exterior of each ocular tube is covered with twelve interlocking strips of mother-of-pearl. b) Light-green and peach brocade silk protective bag is embroidered with red, orange, and gold flowers and features a braided rope drawstring closure. The bag is lined in white silk. Part of The Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum
