A pair of theatre binoculars, including mother-of-pearl decor, first part of the 20th century.

During the early 20th century, theatre binoculars were a popular accessory among theatre-goers and cultural enthusiasts. These binoculars were specifically designed to provide an enhanced view of the stage and allow for a better experience for the audience.

Theatrical binoculars from this era typically had a fixed magnification, usually between 3x and 5x, which meant that the image was enlarged three to five times compared to the naked eye. They were also equipped with adjustable focusing to adjust the sharpness according to the distance to the stage.

Theatrical binoculars were used not only at theatrical performances but also at opera, concerts and other cultural events. They were a status symbol and part of the sophisticated cultural experience of that era.