A striking pair of early 20th-century opera glasses, finished with individually fitted panels of natural mother-of-pearl. The shell has survived exceptionally well, retaining its soft cream tone and flashes of pink, green and gold iridescence. The metalwork carries a deep, uneven patina from age and use, creating a beautiful contrast with the remarkably well-preserved mother-of-pearl. The central focusing wheel operates correctly and the optics remain functional. No maker's mark or inscription is visible, so the manufacturer remains unidentified. Closely related examples suggest German manufacture, most likely during the 1920s. A decorative object in its own right, but still entirely recognisable for what it was made to do: bring the stage a little closer.