Antique French Four-Body Glasses. France, Circa 1914

Antique French four-drum spyglass made in the French Manufacture of Firearms and Cycles St. Etienne, France, circa 1914. This is a fully original item, very well preserved and in perfect working order. The spyglass mounts four brass drums or bodies that can be folded inside the main one. This is covered by a leather sleeve, also original and in good condition too. The dark brown sleeve bears this inscription, clearly marked in fine golden lettering: MANUFACTURE FRANÇAISE DE ARMES ET CYCLES DE ST. ETIENNE. This is an iconic French company best known as Manufrance. It was founded in 1885 and is renowned for being the first mail-order business in the country. Though they were specialized in hunting rifles and cycles, they also sold other products: from wall clocks to home utensils. Today the company is still active in France. The spyglass is made of brass and preserves the original lenses. It is possible to use it to watch faraway objects and landscapes, being both a decorative and functional item. This antique French four-drum spyglass will stand out in a collection of early-20th-century instruments for its good condition and fine working order. Measurements: Length: Unfolded: 18.8 in / 47 cm. Folded: 6 in / 15 cm.