
Straight temple spectacles were machine produced from 1833 until WWI. Most lenses in this type of spectacle are oval. However, square and octagon lenses do come to the marketplace from time to time. Colored lenses used before 1875 tended to serve a medical purpose. The use of colored lenses as sunglasses date to around 1880. Straight temple spectacles went out of style in the late 1800's but, continued to be made in small amounts until 1920.
This type of spectacle are often called "Civil War Shooters". This is not entirely true regardless of the fact that examples are dug at Civil War battle sites. The correct name is "Dim Vision Glasses". The amber lens with a clear center and frosted borders were designed for people who had very poor eyesight. Such lenses allowed for enough vision so that a person might gain a few more years of mobility. This pair is made from steel. The steel has rust spots in several places. The frames are riveted together. The lenses cannot be changed. Frame wideth is 4 1/2 inches temple length is 5 1/8 inches.
For period steel cases, visit our eyeglass case catalogue.
For period paper cases, visit our eyeglass case catalogue.
Click here for price and ordering information.
Guaranteed original vintage
frames
Guaranteed satisfaction. If you do not like them when you see them,
return in 3 days for a full refund of purchase price.
We do not pay shipping.
Eyeglasses Warehouse, 969 Augusta Road,
Winslow, ME 04901
207-872-5849
|
|
|
|
![]() |