Lemaire Fabt Opera Glasses Value Guide

These Lemaire Fabt opera glasses represent the pinnacle of 19th-century French optical craftsmanship from the renowned Paris factory established in 1847. Featuring a classic black leather-wrapped brass body, these instruments were essential fashion accessories for socialites attending high-end theaters in London and New York.

What Is Lemaire Fabt Opera Glasses Worth?

The typical price range for Lemaire Fabt Opera Glasses is $45 - $50 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the leather wrap, specifically looking for signs of peeling, drying, or heavy scuffing.
• Clarity of the optics, as internal dust or fungal growth significantly reduces the $45-$50 market value.
• Smoothness of the central focusing wheel and the integrity of the brass bridge structure.
• Presence of the original velvet-lined carrying case which can push the value to the higher end of the estimate.

How to Identify Lemaire Fabt Opera Glasses?

• Look for the 'Lemaire Fabt Paris' stamping on the eyepieces, often accompanied by a small bee hallmark.
• Verify the bridge focus mechanism is made of brass and operates smoothly without grinding.
• Check for the original black leather wrapping which should be tightly adhered to the brass barrels.
• Inspect the objective lenses for the characteristic slight yellow or blue tint common in late 19th-century French glass.

History of Lemaire Fabt Opera Glasses

Lemaire Fabrique was established in Paris in 1847 and became one of the most prestigious manufacturers of optical instruments in the world. Their opera glasses were the height of fashion in the 19th century, often exported to high-end retailers in New York and London to be used by socialites at the theater and opera.