Optical Instruments > Spectacles & Eye Glasses

Tortoiseshell and Horn Lorgnette Eyeglasses Late 18th Century

Item#: OIS1036

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This is an Adams Style Lorgnette made in England under the name ‘Pocket Spectacles’. Invented by George Adams Jr. (1750 – 1795) in the form of a penknife and intended to be carried loose in the pocket. The case was made from riveted real tortoiseshell with silver shield emblem and horn frame, simple bridge and round lenses. Provenance: From the Orr collection Inventory No. 364. Hugh Orr (1905 - 2002) was a collector and curator of the British Optical Association Museum. In 1985 he published the book ‘Illustrated History of Antique Spectacles’.