Description: A pair of lacquered brass and Mother of Pearl opera glasses. The Mop eyepieces are hallmarked, "Simons Bro & Co Philadelphia". On the face of the frame is engraved, "Emilie W. Uhlinger". The black leather case embossed in lid with "SIMONS BRO & CO PHILADELPHIA". A bee logo is stamped on the clasp.


History: Born in 1819, George Washington Simons started his business in 1839. The City Directory for Philadelphia in 1842 had him listed as a manufacturer of gold and silver thimbles and pencil cases. His brother, P. Boneil Simons later known as Peter B. was also listed in the directory and later joined his brother in the business. The company grew rapidly in the next 20 years, expanding into manufacturing many other gold and silver items. In 1858, George W. Simons & Brother is described as employing 60 people and manufacturing "gold and Silver pen and pencil cases ... gold, silver and steel topped thimbles, finger shields, tooth and ear picks, watch keys, gold pens, cane heads, bracelets, breast pins, earrings, finger rings, sleeve buttons, studs, guard slides, charms, seals, badges, etc". George Simons had also become a business leader, establishing a reputation for technical innovation "first to use steam advantageously" and having machinery "of the first class and embodies all the latest improvements".

Provenance: FL Estate


Dimensions: Weight (Pounds & Ounces) = 0.5625 | Height(in) = 2.5 | Width(in) = 4.5 | Depth(in) = 2

Size of Artwork(in): 2.25 x 4 x 1.25"


Artist Name: Simons Bro, Philadelphia


Medium: Brass, Mop


Circa: Circa 1910

This pair is in good working condition with clear lenses. The finish is scratched in various spots of the framework. The case is scuffed and one side of the handle is ripped from the cover.