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pair of gold and black binoculars on a white surfacepair of antique binoculars on a white surfacean antique pair of binoculars on a white surface with a white backgroundan image of a pair of gold colored binoculars sitting on top of a white surfacepair of antique brass binoculars with glass lenses on white backgrounda close up picture of a gold telescope with a black lensan image of a gold and red microscope with a glass on topa picture of a brochure that is on a table
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77 - Cartier Theatre Binoculars, circa 1902–1909.
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Estimate €2,500 - €3,500
Sale commission
Description
Cartier Theatre Binoculars, circa 1902–1909. In gilt bronze, mother-of-pearl, enamel, gold flakes, aluminium and optical glass. Gross weight 119.13 g A pair of extendable ‘Belle Epoque’ theatre binoculars in gilt bronze, enamelled in red on a moiré guilloché background, the Bressans enamel featuring a repeated motif of small garlands of gold flakes connected by a blue metal dot (possibly aluminium) above a round gold flake, at the centre of which is a green winged metal flake. Both eyecups and the crenellated extension ring are made of mother-of-pearl. H. 8.9 cm W. 3.3 cm Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity by Mr Alain Cartier dated 27 July 2026. Opera glasses, enamel, gilt bronze, mother-of-pearl, gold flakes, optical glass, aluminium. Cartier Paris, c. 1902–09 Mr Alain Cartier’s certificate of authenticity. Throughout its history, Cartier has offered its clientele luxury items and accessories that made for charming gifts. Theatre binoculars had been a fashionable accessory since the 1870s and were regarded as a lovely finishing touch to evening wear. From 1902 until the 1930s, Cartier designed and marketed several models. This model in gilded bronze and mother-of-pearl was manufactured by the Charlot Frères workshop in vast numbers, with variations in the guilloché pattern and the colour of the enamel. The enamel decoration, most often in the form of a garland, contains flecks of gold. The most common design consists of two intertwined friezes of oak leaves, but other motifs have also appeared on the market, such as two friezes of acanthus or laurel leaves, four-leaf clovers, trellises, and several versions of classical garlands. The technique known as ‘Bressans enamel’ involves inserting gold flakes or other metals between two layers of enamel. This decoration is rare in Cartier’s work. It also appeared on cufflinks and bibs dating from around 1902–1909.
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About the sale Gold & jewellery • Silverware • Watches • Leather goods
Auction location
Auction time 10/03/2026 at 10:30 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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