Posted 12 years ago
filmnet
(476 items)
This eyeglass I don't know what you call it? it is very cute great patina, the glass is +3, and it is marked Gold Filled , made in Germany. Must be before WWII. Anyone know about this type, how old, what called?
They are called "lorgnettes". I have a pair myself in gold. Love the mechanism.
What does the mechanism do?
The left lens of the two lenses moves down and inwards back to the single position you see in the second photo. It then locks in that position. The ring at the bottom is pulled and they 'fly out' to become the 'glasses'. In the single lens position they can be used as magnifiers. The French term 'lorgner' means 'to keep an eye on, to watch intently, to ogle, to leer'. Appropriate, no?
funny the ring doesn't pull down at all. its solid
So which part pulls the catch open?
Do you push it instead or do you pull the rings down?
I do see a tiny clip, which hold the left ring glass close , but no pull up or down to fly out. This is from Germany
The mechanism might need a tiny bit of oil.
Yes, I don't want to brake it.
If unsure then you might take it to a jeweller.