The International Opera Glass Co. Ltd of Gerrard Street, London, was set up in the late Victorian period to provide London Theatres and Opera Houses with opera good quality French glasses to hire out to patrons. They believed that theatre patrons were not the type of people to steal. Alas, this proved to not be the case, as the London American Register reported on the 13th November 1904; "Opera glasses to the value of £64 have been stolen recently from the International Opera Glass Company’s boxes in West End theatres". The troubled company reformed as The London Opera Glass Company Ltd. in 1913. This company is still going strong, providing glasses via a vending machine contraption on the back of seats which require a £1 coin to be inserted - it has over 3000 seats fitted with glasses in over 60 theatres.
Pair of small Victorian top-quality French opera glasses or theatre glasses in solid brass withgilt paint finish, for hire to patrons of London Theatres circa 1890. Each Eyepiece embossed "Property of The International Opera Glass Co.". Each draw tube engraved "Opera Glass Co. London. Made in France". Cross bridge engraved "Property of International Co., Gerrard St. W. London. Made in France". Green enamelled star to front cross bridge. Vulcanite (Ebonite) focus wheel. Fixed bridge.
Lovely patina some chips to the paint work, some dents, the glasses would benefit from cleaning the lenses. 6.2cm x 10.5cm, extending to 8.3cm. They can be dismantled for cleaning. In good used antique condition.