Optical Instruments > Spectacles & Eye Glasses

18th Century Molded Iron Folding Pince-Nez Spectacles

Item#: OIS614

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These mid 18th century molded iron folders were made without screws, with steel spring bridge and cork nose pads. Flat lenses R +4.0; L +3.0. (Small chip to R lense). Pince-nez (French for "pinch nose") are a style of folding spectacles clipped to the nose by a spring bridge. First made their appearance in the late 18th century, reaching their peak popularity by the end of the 19th century. Folded Pince-nez were usually suspended from a ribbon or chain worn round the neck, or tied to the buttonhole of a lapel. Provenance: From the Orr collection, Inventory No. 631. 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”.