Georgian Quizzing Glass
An ornate Georgian Quizzing Glass or Quizzer dating from the early 1800s. Quizzing glasses became wildly fashionable amongst men and women alike during 1790s. Built around an oval lens, either magnifying or corrective, women would have worn them on a long chain and men on a black ribbon tied around the neck. But to understand their true function we must first discuss the Lorgnette... A lorgnette is, essentially, a pair of glasses on a stick that became popular in France in the 1700s, initially more as jewellery rather than to enhance vision - it became a fashionable accessory at masquerade parties and the opera. The lorgnette wasn't worn on the face like spectacles, instead it was held up to the eyes so when you look through them at something - or someone - it's a direct and deliberate gaze. Indeed, the name comes from the French lorgner, meaning 'to ogle/leer/covet'. A 1793 article by Mercier describes the state of affairs:
“Paris is full of these lorgneurs, setting their eyes on you, fixing your person with a steady and immobile gaze. This behaviour is so widespread that it is not even considered indecent anymore. Ladies are not offended when they are observed arriving at the theatre or whilst taking a walk. But should this happen when they are amongst themselves the lorgneur is considered uncouth and accused of insolence.”
In England, the Quizzing Glass took on a similar role: not simply used to read small print, an adversary could be put in their place by a simple, fixed stare through the Quizzer. This one features an elaborate carved frame with flower and foliage motifs and a milled bezel securing the glass. The handle swivels so that it sits properly when hung from a chain.
Era: Georgian, circa 1800
Size: 7.9cm by 4.3cm
Marks: None, tests as 15ct gold filled
Condition: Great antique condition, light wear consistent with age
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[Last updated: September 15th, 2025]
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Condition
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