Description

REMARKABLE COMPACT ALL-TRIPLE-LENS BINOCULARS, French, c. 1875, engraved “Douze Verres” (for “Twelve Lenses”) and signed in the case “Gregoire Opticien, Quai St. Antoine, 14.” Measuring 3-7/8″ (10 cm) overall and 1-1/8″ (3 cm) thick (closed), they are constructed of gilt brass, with a central knurled  focusing knob. Each objective lens, and each eyepiece, is itself a triplet, a sophisticated design to minimize aberrations and permit a compact, short-focal-length instrument. The apparent maker was Gregoire of Lyon, working throughout the third quarter 19th century. The firm had been founded in 1790, owned by Pierre Biette in the 1830’s, and by H. Peter in the late 19th century. A fine device, in superb condition, with the original carrying case.