The Lebel Fan (?), Optical System, Europe, circa 1840–1850
The Lebel Fan (?), Optical System, Europe, circa 1840–1850
A rare fan featuring a patented optical system; the double-layered paper panel is chromolithographed with mythological scenes on the theme of Love.
The reverse side is made of embossed paper decorated with bouquets of golden flowers on a silver background.
The frame is made of carved, engraved, and gilded bone. The plumes feature a remarkable and rare retractable optical system. Two lorgnettes are housed within the frame and can be extracted using a push button. The profile bears the inscription “Patented.”
This system is similar to that of Félix Lebel, known as the “new fan” or “Lebel fan,” patented in 1838, which featured a single or double lorgnette in the fan’s handle.
(Signs of wear, minor missing pieces, one broken strand)
Height: 27.5 cm; Blade height: 14 cm
Félix Lebel was a lorgnette manufacturer in Paris. He described his invention as a metal plate shaped to fit and inserted into the fan’s center. A side screw allows the lorgnette to be easily removed. One of the drawings appears to correspond to our fan. (See INPI 1BA6453)
Expert: Georgina Letourmy-Bordier
The Lebel Fan (?), Optical System, Europe, circa 1840–1850
A rare fan featuring a patented optical system; the double-layered paper panel is chromolithographed with mythological scenes on the theme of Love.
The reverse side is made of embossed paper decorated with bouquets of golden flowers on a silver background.
The frame is made of carved, engraved, and gilded bone. The plumes feature a remarkable and rare retractable optical system. Two lorgnettes are housed within the frame and can be extracted using a push button. The profile bears the inscription “Patented.”
This system is similar to that of Félix Lebel, known as the “new fan” or “Lebel fan,” patented in 1838, which featured a single or double lorgnette in the fan’s handle.
(Signs of wear, minor missing pieces, one broken strand)
Height: 27.5 cm; Blade height: 14 cm
Félix Lebel was a lorgnette manufacturer in Paris. He described his invention as a metal plate shaped to fit and inserted into the fan’s center. A side screw allows the lorgnette to be easily removed. One of the drawings appears to correspond to our fan. (See INPI 1BA6453)
Expert: Georgina Letourmy-Bordier
