Optical Instruments > Spectacles & Eye Glasses

Ebony Wood Lorgnette Eyeglasses Late 18th Century

Item#: OIS631

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Ebony Wood Lorgnette Eyeglasses Late 18th Century - click to enlarge.

The case was made from riveted ebony wood with mother of pearl inlay. The frame with simple bridge was made from German silver with oval lenses.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. Provenance: From the Orr collection Inventory No. 77. 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’.