Description: Antique c1790 Georgian Tortoiseshell Frame Spectacles Glasses Silver Hinges These Antique c1790 Georgian Tortoiseshell Frame Spectacles offer a fascinating glimpse into eyewear design from the late 18th century. Unlike modern glasses, the spectacles of this era were not designed to rest over the ears. Instead, their lens bridges were small and crafted in such a way as to sit on the end of the nose, with the arms extending outward to lightly wedge the glasses in place on the face, this was done partly, so as not to interfere with wigs, which were in fashion at the time. This meant relatively small size spectacles in relation to the face. This design reflects this early functionality, where Tortoiseshell provided a lightweight and flexible solution, it also delivered natural springiness into the arms of the spectacles enabling a tight fit to the face, balancing practicality and style. The tortoiseshell frames were handcrafted through a meticulous process. The tortoiseshell was softened using heat and steam, then cut, shaped, and filed by hand to create a comfortable fit. These frames also feature silver hinges, which were attached with care to ensure flexibility and durability. The hinges allowed the glasses to expand or contract, ensuring they stayed in position without the modern over-ear support. Tortoiseshell was a prized material in the Georgian era, known for its durability and rich, organic patterns. The use of silver for the hinges and the round frame design are typical of eyewear from the late 18th century, a time when glasses were worn primarily for reading or detailed work. This pair of Georgian spectacles is an exquisite example of historical eyewear, offering a rare and well-preserved piece from an era when form and function were beautifully intertwined. Size: 11.5cm *Please go to our shop on Ebay for other similar items, we can also look to combine postage where possible *IMPORTANT NOTE RE INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE The cost stated below for Royal Mail International are generally correct for European.Please select UPS couriers service for delivery to rest of the world. Please note, that under certain circumstances we may advise buyers that additional postage costs need to be applied. We will do this in advance at the time of purchase.
Price: 146 GBP
Location: London
End Time: 2024-11-12T20:50:07.000Z
Shipping Cost: 42.43 GBP
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return postage will be paid by: Buyer
Returns Accepted: Returns Accepted
After receiving the item, your buyer should cancel the purchase within: 14 days
Sub-Type: Spectacles/ Glasses
Type: Optical
Period: 1790's
Material: Tortoiseshell
Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
