Antique Lorgnettes are fun to own but if you are buying one for pragmatic purposes there are a few things to be aware of. The first is condition. Make sure to ask the seller about the springs--are they working, how easy is the clasp to open, does it spring open easily or is the mechanism complex and difficult to latch and unlatch. Does it require any special knowledge. Very often people will tell you it works easily and when you get it you'll find that you have to be extra careful.  If it is advertised as sterling silver, 14 K gold, gold filled etc. make sure to get that in writing or some sort of certification from the seller. Very often people think what they have is sterling or gold and it is plated or gold filled. Seeing is not believing. Make sure the seller has checked out the glasses to see if they are perscription. If you are planning on using these even for decoration or as an accessory or conversation piece you are going to want to know this. Some perscriptions will work fine others will be impossible. If the glasses have a nose piece make sure it is in good shape. Ask the seller if it is tight and in good shape because they are near next to impossible to replace and repairs are expensive.

Finally, and most importantly--if you are planning on using them for yourself make sure to find out how the glasses close. The reason is that contemporary glass lenses (and plastic too) have curved surfaces and may not fit into your antique Lorgnette. It is expensive to retro-fit these antiques and this is especially so if you have a complex eye problem. Even when you just want magnification it isn't cheap. So if you do buy just be aware of these considerations and then enjoy your bargin.