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Thread: My Antique Spectacle Collection

  1. #1
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    My Antique Spectacle Collection (PIC HEAVY)

    I just scored a great addition to my antique eyeglass collection that I am really stoked about. I want to share it with anybody that may be interested in old eyeglasses. I will post several examples from my ever growing collection.

    This is the oldest pair that I have to date. This is in the Edward Scarlett style of frame. This piece probably dates from 1730-1760.

    Last edited by Fezz; 02-04-2012 at 09:01 AM.

  2. #2
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    Here are a few more that date from the mid to late 1700's. The hoops or tear drops on the ends were used to hold the glasses in place by weaving the wigs (high fashion of the era) or threading ribbon through to secure in place.







    Last edited by Fezz; 02-03-2012 at 03:50 PM.

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    These next ones are from the late 1700's to mid 1800's. They have sliding temples that extend out. The first two are made of coin silver, the last one is made of brass.





    Last edited by Fezz; 02-03-2012 at 05:09 PM.

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    Forever Liz's Dad Steve Machol's Avatar
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    Those are cool. Where did you get them?


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  5. #5
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    Some were given to me, some I bought at auctions, some I have antique dealers who are always on the prowl for me, antique shops, yard sales, and gifts!

  6. #6
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    Here are a few of my Civil War era sharpshooter/shooting glasses. Note the frosted periphery and clear centers!


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    Master OptiBoarder Striderswife's Avatar
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    Ooooh, I like! 8^D
    It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Striderswife View Post
    Ooooh, I like! 8^D

    Thank you!

    More to follow tomorrow!

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    Master OptiBoarder OptiBoard Gold Supporter DragonLensmanWV's Avatar
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    My fine fellow! You are getting way more proficient at posting your pictures now! And such fine specimens, too!
    DragonlensmanWV N.A.O.L.
    "There is nothing patriotic about hating your government or pretending you can hate your government but love your country."

  10. #10
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    Thanks Dragon!

    I hope that you enjoy what I am putting up!

    Next in line tomorrow will be...maybe:

    Lorgnettes?

    Pince Nez?

    Four lens?

    Beebe loupes?

  11. #11
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    Mid 1800's sliders?

    Late 1800's cable temples?

    Windsors?

    So many frames, so little time!

  12. #12
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    What a cool collection. I may have to look for some for myself. I know the first thing I would do is neutralize the lenses, do you?

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    Quote Originally Posted by cocoisland58 View Post
    What a cool collection. I may have to look for some for myself. I know the first thing I would do is neutralize the lenses, do you?

    Thanks! I am only scratching the surface here! These are my gems. More gems to follow in the next few days!

    I do not neutralize. The majority of older specs will be plus powered lenses.

    If you are really interested in starting a collection....I have many, many, many styles that I could sell to you. I have been in an aggressive sell and buy mode for a while. I really want to get older styles and to start collecting individual makers frames. This gets expensive, so I am selling off many of my duplicates, less rare, not as old or unique styles to fund bigger purchases. The styles that I am after now are usually in the couple hundred per pair to $1000+ ! In the past two weeks, I have sold off probably 15 pince nez frames alone! I have sold off probably 200-300 frames from my collection over the last years or so. Many of these styles were very nice, but not as rare or unique as I am looking for now. Please let me know if I can help you in any way to start your collection!
    Last edited by Fezz; 02-03-2012 at 09:48 PM.

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    Handsome specimens, they all are, Sir Fezz..................any hints, and or thou-shalt-nots to divulge to the masses, whom might be interested in procuring, restoring, coveting, storing, displaying said antiquities??????
    Last edited by uncut; 02-03-2012 at 09:41 PM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by uncut View Post
    Handsome specimens, they all are, Sir Fezz..................any hints, and or thou-shalt-nots to divulge to the masses, whom might be interested in procuring, restoring, coveting, storing, displaying said antiqities??????
    Stay tuned........!

    If anybody is interested in the history of eyeglasses, start at this amazing website! This is a treasure chest of info! Take a look at some of the collections!

    http://antiquespectacles.com/

    Here is another informative site that has some good info and some very fine spectacles that one could buy. Beware though, in my opinion,....dear ole Mr. Welch REALLY likes his specs and commands a very high price for some of them. Me thinks that he enjoys having them more than selling them! I have four or five pair that I am saving for to buy from him!

    http://www.eyeglasseswarehouse.com/
    Last edited by Fezz; 02-03-2012 at 09:47 PM.

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    Ok, I am in a Lorgnette mood this morning!














    I DIG 'em!

    Last edited by Fezz; 02-04-2012 at 08:47 AM.

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    Master OptiBoarder OptiBoard Gold Supporter DragonLensmanWV's Avatar
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  18. #18
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    For a very long time, my passion and collecting was concentrated on the pince nez styles. My collecting desire has shifted and I have sold off 90% of my collection of pince nez. The ones that I have left are really neat and hard to find in the condition they are. Pince nez are a great place to start a collection because there are so many out on the market. They are relatively inexpensive compared to collecting other styles.

    For your viewing pleasure, I submit:

    Pince Nez all the Way!












  19. #19
    Master OptiBoarder OptiBoard Gold Supporter DragonLensmanWV's Avatar
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    Boy, that silver one looks handsome!
    DragonlensmanWV N.A.O.L.
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    Lets keep pince nez'ing!














    Last edited by Fezz; 02-04-2012 at 09:32 AM.

  21. #21
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    There are folding pince nez styles that are neat to see (pun intended)!

    These fold together to form a stronger magnifier, and make it easy to slip in a coat or vest pocket.







    Last edited by Fezz; 02-04-2012 at 09:22 AM.

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    Master OptiBoarder OptiBoard Silver Supporter rdcoach5's Avatar
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    The filigree on the 3rd from last is something. What is the gold content?

  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by rdcoach5 View Post
    The filigree on the 3rd from last is something. What is the gold content?
    1/10 12 k

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    Master OptiBoarder Striderswife's Avatar
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    The reflections of the trees above are a nice (unintended?) touch. I give you a thumbs up!
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  25. #25
    What's up? drk's Avatar
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    Really nice collection.

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