Lamier Paris Opera Glasses

Hey everyone, any info on these glasses? I am having a hard time finding this mark to reference the age/value or if I got ripped off. I have a limited time to return these, any help is appreciated!

 

Did you check eBay completed sales?
In general, it seems that the best prices are realized by pairs that are hand-painted or have fancy enamel decoration. Quite a few of the listings include the original case.
Personally, I wouldn't pay more than $50 for mother-of-pearl opera glasses without the case. (JMHO.) You don't state how much you paid so I can't offer an opinion on whether or not you "got ripped off".
Your lorgnette-style (with folding handle) opera glasses do have some nice detailing which could put them in the $100-$150 range. They likely date to the late 19th-century and are very pretty!

DISCLAIMER: I am not an expert on opera glasses.

 

Thanks. I cannot find anything similar to this style anywhere for comparison, also I cannot find anything with this mark or description. I had someone bidding against me on these so I assume there is value to close to what I paid, but I am over your estimate. I have searched everywhere with little luck.

 

If you had bidding competition then they must be desirable by at least one other person, LOL.
There were many manufacturers of opera glasses, and a several sold recently by LaMier on eBay in the $12-78 range, though they are not as fancy. (Link is to a google book from 1996 that discusses collecting opera glasses and mentions LaMier, though with no actual manufacturer info.)
These Le Maire glasses look comparable to yours and sold in the $150 range. (Original asking price of $195 but seller accepted a best offer price.)

 

Some one can (and may) correct me but I believe the "Made in France" marking dates them to 1914 or later.

Debora

 

Perhaps @Shangas could advise?

 

Found this opera glasses collector on Facebook. Perhaps he can offer you some more info (though he hasn't posted in over a year.)

 

You could not have been 'ripped off', you set the price

 

bluumzWell-Known Member
Found this opera glasses collector on Facebook. Perhaps he can offer you some more info (though he hasn't posted in over a year.)

Ah quoted the wrong comment Sorry.

He responded to me and is reviewing the photos

 

The gentleman from Facebook's response:

"Wow those are beautiful. I have about 7 like those. When they come up for sale in the most terrible condition you are lucky to get them for $80. On Ebay a pare like that would easily go for $200 to $300"

 

Well! Thank goodness for that reply. When I read the first post, they are exactly what I envisioned, and I am by no means a collector of such things! But they had to be SOMEwhere -- else how would I know about them!

 

Hopefully, that was good news for you!

 

Looks like you don't need me anymore, but thanks for the tag, anyway.

 

It was!