M. FORD CREECH ANTIQUES & FINE ARTS

 

 

"ANTIQUE SPECTACLES"

 

 


 

During the 18th and 19th centuries, spectacles and eyeglasses were individually handmade.

Thus changes in style happened rather quickly,

and we can only date to within a period of common use.
We are pleased to offer this small collection showcasing different design types of 19th century spectacles,

including hunting glasses, slide temple, heavily tinted early sunglasses.

In addition, we offer a very rare pair of George III tortoiseshell and silver sunglasses.

 

Please Inquire

 

 


 

 

 

 

19TH CENTURY STRAIGHT TEMPLE HEAVILY TINTED SPECTACLES

 

A pair of black steel-framed straight temple sunglasses with scroll bridge,
the heavily tinted lenses (not enough to impede vision) with no magnification or scratches;
lenses riveted in place and not changeable

 

These are quite attractive on the face and contemporary in feel.
In addition they are extremely light weight and comfortable.

 

Condition : Both frames and lenses, excellent; ready for use, if desired

 

Lens Width : 1-1/5" / Lens Height : 1-1/4"
Bridge Size : 1-3/4" / Temple Length : 5-1/2"
Frame Width : 4-1/2" / Weight : 0.3 oz

 

SOLD

 

PLEASE INQUIRE

 

#6975

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

RARE PAIR of GEORGE III TORTOISESHELL & SILVER-MOUNTED

BLUE TINTED SPECTACLES

 

A rare pair of tortoiseshell frame spectacles with molded C-bridge,
enclosing blue-tinted D-shaped lenses,
with additional D-shaped tortoiseshell side-shades,
each hinged and able to pivot behind the tinted lenses,
having silver mounts and silver turn-pin (pivot) temple arms terminating in solid silver oval finials,
the silver unmarked; pristine condition with no scratches to the lenses or tortoiseshell.*

 

* It is uncommon to find such a pair, much less in overall pristine condition.

 

Turn-pin spectacles feature an extension on the end of the temple that is held in place by a rivet that pivots 360 degrees.
The proper position for wearing the turn-pin extension was upward around the 1 o'clock position,
to better grasp the head, as opposed to straight back or downward.
This extension was often formed to fit the crown of the owner's head upon creation.
This type of spectacle was commonly used until around 1880,
and tended to stay in place better than straight temples and sliding temples, though it is not fitted enough for riding.

 

Ref : For similar examples please see :
https://www.antiquespectacles.com (Dr. David Fleishman)
Lot 108, Sotheby's Sale N09466, January 2016

 

Condition : Excellent

 

Lens Width : 1-1/4" / Lens Height : 1-1/4"
Bridge Size : 5/8" / Temple Length : 7-1/2" fully extended
Frame Width : 4-1/2" / Weight : 0.8 oz

 

SOLD

 

PLEASE INQUIRE

 

#7000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

PAIR of ANTIQUE AMBER 'SHOOTING SPECTACLES'
Last Half of the 19th Century

 

A pair of straight-templed steel-framed antique 'shooting spectacles' with scroll bridge,
amber-colored lenses with unfrosted centers, and having no refractive correction;
the lenses riveted in place; excellent condition, the lens without scratches

 

There are claims that this type of spectacle was used by snipers in the Civil War;
however no documentation has surfaced to confirm any military connection.
Amber tinting is known to enhance the contrast against a blue sky, such as when bird hunting,
and is still used in modern sunglasses for the same reason.
Different colored lenses were also claimed to have health value at this time.
This type of spectacle is not intended to have refractive correction.

 

Condition : Excellent with some residual dark spots to the steel frames;
otherwise still quite usable

 

Lens Width : 1-3/8" / Lens Height : 1-1/8"
Bridge Size : 1" / Temple Length : 5-1/4"
Frame Width : 4-1/2" / Weight : 0.3 oz

 

 SOLD

 
#6974

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

EARLY 19TH CENTURY SLIDING TEMPLE STEEL FRAME SPECTACLES
English or American, c1815-1840

 

A substantial pair of steel sliding temple spectacles with magnified oval lenses siding a C-bridge,
the slide arms of pin-in-slot (wide telescopic) form terminating in tear drop finials;
marked to one arm "30"

 

Sliding temple spectacles featured a temple arm that was movable towards the frames to shorten,
away from the frames to lengthen, or fully retracted for easy storage.
This type of spectacle stayed in place better than straight temples,

especially whilst doing common household chores and light work.
However, they were unsuited for horseback riding or hunting.

 

Condition : Excellent with substantial weight (1.1 oz); the lenses magnified and can be changed

 

Lens Width : 1-1/4" / Lens Height : 1"
Bridge Size : 7/8" / Temple Length : 6-3/8" fully extended
Frame Width : 4-1/2" / Weight : 1.1 oz

 

SOLD

 

PLEASE INQUIRE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Also See :

 

JULY FORECAST : SUNNY & HOT!

 

 

 


 

 

We welcome and encourage all inquiries regarding our stock.  We will make every attempt to answer any questions you might have.

 

For information, call (901) 761-1163 or (901) 827-4668, or

Email : mfcreech@bellsouth.net  or  mfordcreech@gmail.com
 

American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Discover accepted

 

 

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M. Ford Creech Antiques & Fine Arts / 581 South Perkins Road /  Memphis, TN 38117 / USA /  Wed.-Sat. 11-6, or by appointment

 


 

 

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19th Century Antique Spectacles and Sunglasses