Who is F.A.E.L.N.?

[Bigcypresshunter]

Im posting a set of Binoculars or Opera Glasses that I purchased for $5 at a garage sale a couple years ago. I really dont know anything about them other than they were made in Paris so dont worry about telling me something I may already know.. They look gold plated, leather wrapped and the center adjustment is possibly hardwood.

It says BARDOU FILS CIB * PARIS * on the lenses.

There is some writing on the case which I havent searched if anyone wants to go at it..
Looks like BORHEK & ? optician... part of an address....

Engraved is
To F.A.E.L.N. ~from~ W.F.S. Dec. 4th, 1879.


The big mystery here is who is F.A.E.L.N.? Could it be a person? It sounds like an organization.

 

[ivan salis]

looks like--- E Borhek & Son -- opiticans --628 chestnut -- philadelphia ( looks like the item was made in france -- then imported and sold in the usa by them) so who was in philly in 1879 t5hat fits that FAELN ?

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Yep, a search reveals that the gold writing inside the case is E. Borhek & Son, Opticians, 623 Chestnut St., Philad.

Mine looks like 628.

 

[Mackaydon]

BCH:
Some online history:
The French firm of Bardou was established in Paris in 1818 by D.F.
Bardou and his son, P.G. (and later grandson Albert D.) trading as
Bardou Fils à Paris/Bardou & Son(s). Trade mark--a caduceus with the
letters 'G' and 'B' on either side above the English words, TRADE MARK
in an arc. Bardou was a highly respected producer of quality lenses and
optical instruments with an international reputation. In 1854 the firm
supplied the French telegraph lines with telescopes.
Don.....

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Thanks Mack. I wonder what CIB stands for?

 

[Lucas]

Thanks Mack. I wonder what CIB stands for?

CIE = Compagnie

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Thanks Mack. I wonder what CIB stands for?

CIE = Compagnie

Looking at it closer, I see that it is ie.

OK thanks. What you got for FAELN?

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

The center adjuster looks plastic but I think it must be hardwood. Any thoughts on that?

 

[Lucas]

The center adjuster looks plastic but I think it must be hardwood. Any thoughts on that?

Japanned: wood, hard rubber, vegetable composition....

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Here are some better pics. It split on one side. Im thinking rosewood.

Is it gold plated or brass guilded?

Its a pretty little set that is still functional. Its probably going on eBay or here in classified.

Are they opera glasses? All opinions welcome.

 

[Lucas]

Why paint rosewood. Boxwood maybe. I also forgot composition wood (sawdust and glue).

Gilt or gold plate?

Binoculars for sporting use.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Why paint rosewood. Boxwood maybe. I also forgot composition wood (sawdust and glue).

Gilt or gold plate?

Binoculars for sporting use.

I see that your troublemaking scrolling text has been removed and the ensuing bickering, which is good. I apologize to TN members.

In response to your other comments, the adjustment is not painted or jappanned. It may be hard to see in the picture but the color is deep burgundy. Inside where its not shellacked, you can see a much lighter rosewood color. Im not positive that its shellacked wood, but it appears to be. It would explain the crack.

Are you sure they are binoculars for sporting use? A link supporting your thoughts would be nice or maybe you can explain the difference. They highly resemble opera glasses that I have googled.

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/antique-m-bertier-paris-opera-glasses-pearl

Gilt or gold plate?

This comment I dont understand. Maybe you could explain. (Try to ease up on using tongue, laughing and kissing icons in a condescending manner). Thanks.

 

[Dano Sverige]

Opera/theatre glasses.
Engraving could be a term of endearment in acronym,in which case there'll be millions of permutations.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Old thread. One last try before eBay on these old leather covered, gold plated opera glasses dated Dec 4th, 1879 from Philadelphia. . Do the letters F.A.E.L.N. mean anything to anybody?

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

looks like--- E Borhek & Son -- opiticans --628 chestnut -- philadelphia ( looks like the item was made in france -- then imported and sold in the usa by them) so who was in philly in 1879 t5hat fits that FAELN ?

I cant make a connection between the date 1879, an opera or event in Philly, W.F.S. or F.A.E.L.N.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Bumping an old post. I didnt sell these on eBay. I still have them. Still curious about the F.A.E.L.N. Any ideas? Could someone's personal name have 5 initials? Or is this more likely an organization. Any thoughts? thanks.

 

[NOLA_Ken]

It's very possible that it's someone's initials, it's not uncommon for upper class families to give children multiple names even now, and it was definitely popular when those glasses were new. The biggest problem I can see with trying to track down the names is that even though the glasses were bought from an optometrist in Philly, there's no way to know for sure that the buyer and the person they were given to were from there as well.

They're really cool for sure, it's a shame the original buyer didn't get at least a last name engraved on them

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

It's very possible that it's someone's initials, it's not uncommon for upper class families to give children multiple names even now, and it was definitely popular when those glasses were new. The biggest problem I can see with trying to track down the names is that even though the glasses were bought from an optometrist in Philly, there's no way to know for sure that the buyer and the person they were given to were from there as well.

They're really cool for sure, it's a shame the original buyer didn't get at least a last name engraved on them

5 initials seemed a bit much. 4 i can understand. Anyway I was hoping it was an organization because i would have a better chance IDing it. thanks

 

[ivan salis]

might be easier to found out the "giver" W. F .S. and back work it from there..the 5 letter "name" might be part title and part name --FA say like Fleet Admerial -E L N

 

[cw0909]

maybe you can find some records on who were opera patrons with the initials F.A.E.L.N.
or W. F .S. in 1879 philly
or maybe they were for bird watching, both groups like a good set of of Binoculars
or Opera Glasses