ANTIQUE MID-19TH CENTURY GOLDEN PLATED SPECTACLES WITH TURN PIN HINGE TEMPLES

Antique mid-19th century golden plated spectacles/eyeglasses with turn pin hinge temples the history of the 'spectacles': oval lenses generally start just before 1800 and go into the 1920's. rectangular or oblong lenses are before 1800 to 1890's with octagonal appearing by 1840 to 1890's as well. round glasses where not worn in the "old west!" round lens shapes where from before 1760 up to 1820. these round lenses never came back until about 1910. (the "temples" make the biggest difference when dating, however!) bridges between these styles of lenses may differ as well. the most common style of bridge for the old west impression spectacles were the crank design (1800 to 1880) an upside-down "u" with straight arms connected to the lens frame. although the "k" style and the "x" type, with two pieces of the metal crossing in a long "u" shape(1800 to 1900), touching at the center may have had about the same era, it hasn't shown up as much in the samples viewed. an earlier style is a common upside-down long "u" connecting the frames and is called an arch (pre 1750 up to 1860). styles most commonly available post civil war include the scroll (1870 to 1920), "w" (1895 to present) and coil spring style 1900 to present). nose pads did not become common until after 1900 with an exception of the spring pad that began about 1850. temples are the clue to the age of the spectacles in most cases. for our period, and the most common samples surviving is the short lived design of the loop to loop slider (1840 to 1880). next were the pin & slot slider (1790 to after 1870). and the long straight temple design 1820 to 1880). pre 1850 are the short and straight temples and the hinged at center style. from 1770 to 1900 there was the "turn pin" style. any spectacles that have the wrap around the ear or riding bow style, date after 1890 to present!* the temples aren't complete unless they also have a "final" which is the end design. temple finals vary also! two styles in the old west; small open teardrops (1820 to 1890) and flat beavertails (1770 to 1900). the others are: large round open rings (before 1750 to 1800), small round open rings (1790 to 1830), large open teardrops with wider temples (1770 to 1830), medium open teardrops 1790 to 1850), and small droplets (1890 to present). see previous images. a recent find shows a pair dating pre 1800's that are green nearly oval "sunglasses", with pivot hinge and large teardrop finals and an unusual "x" bridge. (image) the connecting hinges where the temple connects to the lens frames will be bulkier in early styles. most spectacles made before 1870 were hand crafted and numbers may be found stamped on the edges near the hinge that give the salesman a clue to what eye problem the individual may have. some lenses may even be etched with a number as well. used but in good condition considering age. small signs of normal wear and tear. . please read important note at the end of description for our return policy. important note: listing descriptions and photos are meant to 'best' describe an item. they are by no means all encompassing. due to the nature of vintage items, imperfections are to be expected even if not noted or shown. per shop policies: no refunds, returns, or exchanges are accepted. please review all listing information and photos carefully - be sure to ask any questions about condition or sizing prior to purchase. thank you, i greatly appreciate your business! “when you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance.”