Optical Instruments > Spectacles & Eye Glasses

RARE 19th Century Scissors Spectacles Eye Glasses

Item#: OIS635

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RARE 19th Century Scissors Spectacles Eye Glasses - click to enlarge.

A historically significant item. The invention of Scissors Spectacles, in the last quarter of the 18th century, was a ‘milestone’ and important event in the development of eyeglasses. This vision aid took the form of two lenses mounted on swinging arms and so arranged that they could be folded into a protective case handle and inserted into the pocket when not in use. The arms of these spectacles are made of hard brass – bronze and the case is processed from horn. Provenance: From the Orr collection. 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’.