Hi, TomSpectacles arrived! Perfect! Just perfect! Will send you a photo for your gallery once we have it. The photo shoot is a few weeks away yet. I’ll also be getting prescription lenses made once the glamor shots are done. Meantime, thanks so much for a great product and timely delivery.
UTube Testimonial from Matthew Murphey of Murphey's Muskets:
They're such a nice set of frames. I get complimented all the time and asked where to buy them. I hope they're heading you way! XD
Thomas Dominick
Les Miserables Primitives, Free Trapper
Tucson, Arizona
Hi Tom, The sunglasses arrived today and I have to say that I am very happy, great quality, perfect fit and exactly what I wanted, I would have no problem recommending your company to all my friends and look foward to doing business with you again. I will get a pic to you as soon as I get a chance.
Kind regards
Glen C from down under (Australia)
Thom & Doree,
I
have my new spectacles with my perscription lenses, and I am chuffed to
bits (really pleased with them) Thank you for offering an alternative
to the hum drum frames that are on sale in the UK.
Britt Evans, UK
Tom,
My absolutely amazing new glasses arrived yesterday, and I love them!! The workmanship, quality, comfort, and clear attention to detail were evident the second I opened the package, from the beautiful script on the case, to the quality of the case itself, and the very long conversation provoking quality of the glasses inside. Thank you, a thousand times over Tom! I am in awe of these glasses and undoubtedly will enjoy them for many years to come. Additionally, I noticed on the address sticker that you used my name, rank, and title in the proper Army format even though I didn't list it that way in the mailing address I sent to you. Little details like that in your customer service make it obvious why there are so many photographs of happy customers on your site.
I have a couple of pictures for you but I have to get them scrubbed for all metadata before I can send them out (security measure). I should have them to you in a couple of days at the very latest. Hopefully much sooner.
Tom, thank you again, so much, for this beautiful gift you have blessed me with. I am forever thankful
Very Respectfully,
P. Ormond
CH (MAJ), USA
518th RSSB, BDE CH
TF Raging Bull Afghanistan
Did receive yesterday.
VERY nice spectacles, and case. My Complements Sir.
Thank You.
Henry Hawker
Tom & Doree,
I was excited that my annual eye exam finally rolled around so I could get my spare blue pair! Although my first frame from you was the oval slide temples, I really like the style and color of the blued steel frames. It's tricky shuffling around my shelter tent in the darkness, and I try to be careful to have a place for my glasses, never wanting to hear that sickening crunch, but I've been wanting a second blue pair just in case. I heard that Teddy Roosevelt may have had something like 16 pairs, due to his rough and fun lifestyle.
I've received several random compliments on the blue frames, from friends, from strangers on the street, from workers behind the counter at CVS and Starbucks, etc. They remark how cool and interesting they are, and how they don't see this style when they choose frames (that's because they're 150 years old!). I always tell them of you, and I've listed you in the 2nd Conn Heavy Artillery manual as a vendor.
Attached is a pic from a Mystic Seaport event last summer. I realize that the size and resolution may not be good enough for your site, so I'm sorry if it doesn't work. I'm already pictured on 149th Cedar Creek, from when I stopped by to say hi, and I keep looking for you at events to do so again.
I don't ever want another style frame, so maybe I'll have to buy out your stock someday just to make sure. ;)
Hope all is well.
Timothy R. Vogelman
The Old 19th CVI / 2d Conn Heavies
Quelling the Rebellion since 1862
Just arrived today as promised- I am totally thrilled with the quality of workmanship and looking forward to getting my prescriptions fitted into them. The case is a class act in it's own right! While I have done Civil War and Cowboy shooting in the past, these are to be my everyday spectacles as I have learned that modern eyewear on my face never looks right and is too heavy. Well worth the investment- thank you very much. Once I get my lenses in them, I will hire a dagtypist to do my carte-de-visit to show your wares-
Your humble servant, Gregory Francis (the Old Sgt.) Howard
Howdy Thom: Well, we just put another Vendetta Ride under our belts this past week. And how surprising to note that about 12 to 15 of the 40 riders were wearing your frames. You are becoming a rock star out west here. We had a blast. You should sign up and ride one year. I guarantee ya a whole bunch of fun. A buddy caught the attached photo of me with your octagon frames (I love them and wear them and the oval ones everyday). If ya want, you can use it for your web page. Fire back when ya can and let me know how things are going.
Happy Trails,
Bob "Doc" Crabb
I just placed an order for your small Bethlehem blue steel oval frames. I want these to have the straight temples. I am so please with the small oval pair I purchased three years ago, that I just had to have another. Thanks for making these available!
Mary McGovern
Got the specs in yesterday, love them they work great with everything else on, great clarity and craftsmanship. Thank y'all so much
Hunter Gray
Received glasses and everything is perfect. You run a great business class act. Love the engraving.
Thank you so much. I am very happy.
Stephen Grisanti ( has purchased 3 pairs from us!!!)
Hello Tom,
Wanted to let you know how much I love my new glasses.
Took them to Walmart and they did a good job with my progressive prescription.
Thanks for making the representation of the past top notch and accurate!
Regards,
Jeff Rodriguez
Wenonah, N.J.
7th N.J. Vols / 114th PA Zouaves
Hello Tom and Doree,
My Historical EyeWear glasses and engraved case arrived yesterday. I love them!!! I can't wait to get
my prescription lenses put in. Yippee! I'll try to send you a picture of me wearing them.
That is several months away because I am still making my first mid-19th-century outfit.
(All those undergarments!) Thank you again for an excellent product and excellent customer service!
Sincerely, Christina Papp
Hi Tom,
I had a nice surprise when I got back home from work on Tuesday,my spectacles had arrived!
I knew they were going to be something special and they most certainly are,I couldn’t be happier,
It was like I had travelled back in time. The authenticity and quality of the frames is incredible and you
were spot on with the medium brown lenses, they look great and the case is really beautiful.
Tom it has been a pleasure doing business with you and thank you very much for the help
and kindness you have given me. I will be back again at some stage as I need a new pair of reading spectacles.
Take care. All the best Matt Crown, UK
Happy Trails,
Just wanted to let you know that I picked up my new glasses today and I love them. They are excellent. I will "dude up" with my period clothing soon and send ya a picture. Thanks again and I will be carrying your business cards with me. Especially when I do the Monument Valley Ride in November.
Robert L. Crabb, Texas
At long last, I have the attached photos from the 2014 Gettysburg 19th century base ball festival. They are not the greatest, but they do show that your frames have enabled me to be just a bit more historically accurate (although I am fairly certain our caps are not). The photo with "Arbiter" in the file name was taken while I was serving as Arbiter (umpire) for a game. I am very pleased with your product (on some days, I can actually see better with the glasses in your frames than in my photo-gray transition lenses. At long last, I have the attached photos from the 2014 Gettysburg 19th century base ball festival.
Thanks,
Rich Heinick
Thom, I got the frames today, and had my prescription put in. I am very happy with them. They fit wonderfully, and look fantastic. Thank you very much! John Carrell, Phoenix, Az
Hi Tom, Tracked the glasses down thanks to your information
Just driven to Dorchester to collect them from Royal Mail.
They are fantastic!
I am so pleased with them - and the case is superb as well!
Thank you for all your kindness and perseverance.
Ralph Batten, UK
Hi Tom & Doree
Just to thank you for my beautiful historic eye wear frame's .
I am delighted with the quality and the service you have given me while here in Texas.
I will recommend you to all of my cowboys in Liverpool UK when I get back home and will
forward you some photo,s of them at our next cowboy shoot.
Many thanks once again
Mike Kilshaw. ( alias Buckshot Roberts )
Sir,
Back from my first Civil War reenactment in years. I noticed many people could use your correct period eyewear- I was one of the "better" looking troops.
Thanks--Jerry Crow, 3rd Battery, First Michigan Light Artillery, Bay City, Michigan
Tom
Picked up glazed specs today. The first two questions my optician asked was
1. These are fantastic ... very well made ... where did you get them from !!!
2. How much ? ... Whoa that's good.Praise indeed from within your industry, so thanks again for a great product and first rate service. Couple of pics for your files taken this afternoon in my garden. You are welcome to use them ... if you want to ..The photo titles are meaningless, so you are again welcome to put a more suitable "handle" as you wish.
All the best
Graham, UK
Thanks for your quick response! Yes, I have the optician who filled my prescription and he can probably do it.I am so happy to have found your site and products. I have been wearing vintage frames for over 15 years and the only problem has been finding them and the don't last long under my wear and tear because they are gold and worn to start with. So, I plan to buy an extra frame from you in a few months so I can have one in reserve. Again, so happy I found you and I have a friend that I referred to your site also!
David Guthrie, TX
Hi Tom,
Just want to let you know I received the glasses today, right on schedule. My first impression was your good packaging job and I noticed you spent more than what was charged for the shipping. Also, the case is superb. It not only looks good, and authentic "period" but the interior is made to last, not crack and come unglued like the cases one might buy at Wal Mart. Then I saw the glasses. Wow, very nice. The color is PERFECT, not shiny and quite light weight. Then I noticed you put clear plastic lenses in, I was expecting nothing and was glad to see the lenses because they give them a more telling look as to how they will appear when the prescription lenses are put in.
Kudos for your true depiction of the size, shape and look of the glasses on your website. I bought these spectacles for several reasons, mostly because I needed a replacement for my current glasses as well as to have a back-up pair in case of an accident. I couldn't find the style I wanted as today's modern style is not me. Also, I wanted a pair that DID NOT have nose pads, as they need too much maintenance and occasional/regular replacement. When I saw the ad in True West I knew I found what I wanted.
This is really why I'm writing. I like the adjustable temples more than anything. As soon as I saw how they worked, my first thought was if this is from the 1800's, then the styles we have today are old fashioned in the way they have to be adjusted, eg with pliers or by bending, etc. In my opinion today's frames should be like yours if just for the simplicity. Consider me a satisfied customer. I now have to give the spectacles to Sears Optical on Monday and wait a week or more before I get them back with the lenses. I hate to give them up. Best of Health to You, Tom
Fred Verheul, Arizona
Tom, just to let you know, I got my glasses in today. As with my other two pair, I'm very pleased. You do GREAT work!
Robert Bennsky Alias Black Bart Boles SASS #93145, VA
Tom : Just wanted you to know my frames are just great. The lenses fit perfectly. I'm glad my friend Serge contacted you regarding some business for you. He's a good guy and will be a good contact out here in L.A.
Best,
Herb Pedersen, CA
Hi Tom, I have been really busy. Sorry for the late reply.
Got the frames! I’ve already gotten them back from
getting the lenses put in. Outstanding! They are absolutely
awesome! Thank you again so much! Once we start re-enacting
again this year I will send you a few photos! Will be recommending
you to whoever needs period eyewear! Again I cannot thank you
enough!
Regards,
Laine W. Davidson Ontario, Canada
Tom,
The specs are awesome. So is the service. If everyone selling something had your business ethic, the world
would be a better place. I'll take some pics when I get the lenses in.
Thanks again!
Shane Elliott
Alexandria Seaport Foundation
Education Program Manager
Thanks you guys they are perfect. Got my prescriptions in and was very happy. Here are some pics of my ugly mug...lol I was wearing antiques that no optician wanted to put lenses in thanks for solving my problem. Great service and wonderful products guys. Love the case also thanks for that. Keep it alive...Thanks again
Ryan Snyder (satisfied customer)
Love the glasses! Ordered another (smaller) pair. Thanks!
J. Boatman
South St. Paul, MN
Tom & Doree: I received my reading glasses today. They're fantastic! Just what I've been looking for. You are filling a real need in the reenactment community. I just might wear them all the time. Thanks again, Jackie
P.S. We talked to you about doing the New Market event. We think we'll do it as it is the 150th and we want to do as many 150th's as we can. (Glad you like your dulcimer.) www.gardnersdulcimer.com
Hi Thom
I wanted to thank you for the lovely spectacles. I wore them all day long one day last week, and they're just wonderful and perfect!
Thank you again for your kindness in making a pair just for me :)
Caroline Eaton, Alexandria, VA
Thom,
Received our shipment today. WOW! You make an awesome product and it is completely worth the price! Superb customer service. My wife wants to order two more. We got them in time to show off to some of our steampunk friends tonight. I'll let you know how they go over. We will bring the cards and cleaning cloths along to hand out.
I really cannot say enough how great they are.
Jim Ridgway ( California)
I ordered a pair of your fine frames to replace my old ones so I could wear my glasses with two of my steampunk characters. They're really excellent in make, they fit great, AND they keep me from looking silly when I'm all dressed up (my old glasses were hot pink with wide earpieces!). I've shown them, and the case, to a few people in my steampunk group and elsewhere, and there's more than a few people considering buying a pair for themselves!
I've enclosed a picture of yours truly as the good Doctor Adelaide Richards, originally haling from a tiny frontier town called Dirt, resident medic of the Airship Archon. Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Jamie Lyon (a very satisfied customer!) Ohio
Hello Tom,
I just wanted to let you know I received the frames and case purchased at the 150th Gettysburg event in perfect condition. The cardboard packaging is really compact and strong. The frames are superb and I'm looking foreword to improved reenacting activities in focus instead of squinting. I also enjoyed meeting and talking with your very helpful wife and sister. They offer an important and resourceful accent to your sutler impression.
Regards,
Wm. O'Dell
Just wanted to let you know I had the lenses put in the frames today. They look great. I'm very pleased with them. Next time I suit up for cowboy action shooting, I'll try and get a picture I can send you. Thank you very much for a great product as well as customer service. I will definitely recommend you to all my pardners.
Hi Thom,
Take care,
Bill Brown Aka: Will Ryder
Hi Thom,
Thank you for the incredible customer service! Your spectacle frames are really great and just what I was looking for.
Aaron Robins, Lynnwood, Washington
I just received a pair of Historic EyeWear frames and they are quite exceptional in all aspects,absolutely superb quality and finish. The period correctness is 100% perfect,the construction seems to be incredibly rugged and built to last and yet they look light and elegant.The case is as good as the frames, it looks like in fact some sort of a treasure you might find in your great grandfathers trunk. This company seems to be some kind of a throwback to a time when quality and service actually meant something. The people are a delight to do business with, totally helpful honest, accommodating and fast. If you are thinking of getting a pair of these do it you will not in any way be disappointed, and you most certainly will not find this sort of thing anywhere else, all these items are truly works of art.
D.S. Lakeport California
The period at the end of the sentence if you want to be authentic in your attire.
Dakota Livesay, Publisher of Chronicle of the Old West, Show low, Az.
Tom,
Got
the specs and case. I love the glasses, wear them all the time, they are so comfortable.
I will be dressing on the 2nd of February. I will take a nice picture for you and send it along.Thanks for the very prompt service. A pleasure doing business with you
The glasses will be perfect, but that case is
really something. Can't wait to show it off to my friends and public.
Scott Thomas, Spring Road, PA- portrays Major General James B. McPherson
www.lincolnsgenerals.org
Tom,
I showed off my new spectacles at last night's Board Meeting of the Friends of Missouri Town 1855, and all were suitably impressed! Gary, our site administrator, told me he had recently gotten some new glasses from another source; mine were much nicer, he said! My friend Trish is interested in the glasses, not so much to wear when interpreting, as to wear for ordinary use. She says mine are "beautiful." I agree. I couldn't be happier.
Thank you again. At some point I'd like to get a pair for my husband, too.
Jean L.
Tom,
I wanted to pass on a BIG thank you for your quick response and outstanding
quality period correct spectacle frames. Your website and personal advise were most helpful in selecting the perfect spectacle frames that I was desperately in need of for participation in the upcoming 150th Anniversary reenactment at Gettysburg. As a member reenactor with Sykes' Regulars (Co.C, 2nd U.S. Infantry), we uphold the strictest standards expected of the Regular U.S. Army Infantry Soldier. My new spectacles should easily meet and exceed the authenticity standards of the Regulars.
My new spectacles are so awesome, my local optometrist and his staff were as
excited as I was when I picked up the frames with my prescription lenses in them. They are already asking for pictures...It has truly been a pleasure doing business with you. I'll easily recommend you without any hesitation to anyone looking for period correct spectacle frames. Thanks so much.
Glenn D. Texter
Columbia Falls, Maine
Allo Thom,
Just received spectacles this morning...received it faster than Expresspost...we probably pay fast delivery uselessly, Satisfied of condition,will carry them in India soon.I sent you some pictures so you can use it at your convenience in your advertising album; as a Canadian Westernist cowboy shooting happy customer. Mes salutations,Marcel DesChenes Quebec, Canada
Hi Thom,
Thanks very much. I just placed my order for your Octagon Tombstone Silver Dust glasses along with an engraved carrying case.I just wanted to confirm something, if I may: Can these glasses be used for prescription lenses? I'm looking to get them outfitted with a lens for mild distance correction. I certainly hope the can be fitted ,as I would like to use them for everyday wear.Thank you so much for offering a great product. I have been holding out for a pair of glasses exactly like this until now. It's great to find a site that finally offers exactly what I have been looking for.Thanks again for your great service!
Sincerely,
Matthew Binks
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
From Santas:
Hi Thom,
I have attached a picture of me in my new Santa glasses. I received many compliments on these glasses. Thank you so much for all the help you gave me. i will most definitely recommend Historic Eyewear to all my fellow Santa friends.
Santa David Troutman
Tom,
I received the spectacles and they are perfect.
The detail is wonderful.
Thank you.
Santa Bruce Geron, Dubuque, Iowa
Hi Tom,
Not too long ago, I purchased a pair of your Virginia City Gold Dust Octagon Frames. They are a great pair of glasses! Yesterday, I was doing some prep work for the coming holiday season, and I had the opportunity to get a couple of snapshots taken wearing my new specs!
Not only do these new glasses look great in character, they are useful as I can actually read through them and (very important) they are quite comfortable while wearing all the accoutrements that one wears portraying Father Christmas. That is something I could not say about any other pair of Santa glasses I have tried over the past five years.
So, here are a couple of pictures. As the holidays arrive, if I happen to end up in a particularly cute photo (most of my pictures are taken with animals at the local humane societies or rescue groups), I will remember to send a copy your way.
Thanks again.
Bruce Lowe ( Santa)
Thanks for the quick delivery, they came in today.
No risk of the return package, they met all expectations and even more. I will only give positive reviews for you, both products and service.
Now it will be to go to the optician, after Christmas, and get glass mounted.
I just have one small question, have you delivered more glasses to Sweden or is this the first one?
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Sweden.
Lasse Jonsson, Skärlöta Solberga, Norrköping, Sweden
Hello sir,
Just wanted you to know that I recieved my spectacles today, and I could not be happier with them! They are fantastic! Of course, I now realize that I am going to need a case for them and will order an engraved case from you guys very shortly. I appreciate your rapid shipping and the outstanding quality of your product. Thank you, and have a very Merry Christmas!
All the Best,
John Hanchey, Lafayette, LA.
I love my glasses! The leader of our group was very impressed with them.
Tina Buchanan, Fredericksburg,Va
Tom, I received the frame and case today. I am very pleased with them! As a reenactor for the 150th Bucktails from Meadville we strive to be accurate at all events. One of our bylaws states accurate eyewear. I will send a picture to you after the Remembrance Day event in Gettysburg, Pa. It will be a pleasure to distribute your business cards there and to our unit members.
Thanks,
Mark and Linda Grey, Edinboro, PA.
Hi Tom.
The frame and case arrived today and look great! Thanks so much. I was wanting a pair of glasses that had a antique look to them, something that the "next guy" would not have! Viola!
Your glasses fit the bill perfectly. I am not a Civil War buff or western heritage enthusiast, however I do not leave the house without a pair of cowboy boots on my feet! I will send you some pics when I get the lenses put in the specs.
Thanks Again!
Steve Skrasek , Haltom City, Texas
Hi Tom,
Just wanted to let you know that my spectacle frames arrived today, and I am more than thrilled with my purchase. I have waited many years to find frames that I truly love, and I cannot wait until I have my prescription filled and start wearing them. I am glad you sent along your business cards, and I will keep them in my purse to give out should I be asked about my beautiful reproduction eyewear. I cannot thank you enough for making these available, and look forward to purchasing another pair in the future.
I received my case today, and it is absolutely beautiful!!!! I will be using these specs and case for a very long time. Unlike other frames, I will not grow tired of these.
Thank you so much for everything, and I hope to be back in the future.
Mary McGovern, Carmel, New York
Hi Tom, my glasses arrived on th 19th of October, I absolutely love them and thanks very much for the case the engraving is awesome. I will probably purchase another pair so I can put prescription sunglasses lens in them in the near future, I just wanted to see how well they suited my face as I am a small person but they are perfect and really suit my musician image.
Thanks again and cheers from down under
Paul Strahan,Victoria, Australia
"I just wanted to say Thank You concerning my eyeglasses. I knew that it would make a difference with my impression,but looking at a picture of my wife and myself just blew me away! Your product and workmanship are fantastic! So Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I shall recommend you to every person I meet that is looking for period correct eyewear. Be blessed...."
C.Scott Brown, Missouri
"Thomas, I just received the specs this morning and they look and fit wonderfully well!! I took them to my local
optometry shop just to be sure we could fit proper bi-focal lenses in them. They said yes- should be not problem! Thank you, I am very excited about these frames..." Best. Jim Aspass, California
Tom,
Those frames are outstanding and a perfect fit. The glass case engraving is fantastic as well. Thanks a million. I hope to get them to the optician this week. Will follow up with a photo. Ben Gardiner. New York
"Tom, Just received the glasses, they are perfect. I plan on dropping them off tomorrow for lenses. If a guys gotta have glasses these are definitely the coolest way to go. Thanks again, I 'll send picts as soon as I get them back." Allan Smith, Missouri
Thom,
Wow! That was quick. I've been telling all the reenactors that while I understand 4-6 weeks for a product delivery from most vendor-sutlers, I cannot tolerate a vendor who takes three months to fill my order. I know your order is a little more universal, but thank you for a quick turn-around nonetheless. I will spread the word that spectacles from you are the way to go; not only TRULY authentic (and yes I did the research) but you send them right away.
So great doing business with you. Take care, JD Montes, Tampa, Florida
Hi Thomas,
"Just got home yesterday and was excited to discover the box for the glasses which was amongst my other mail. They are fantastic, great sun protection and look really cool, I feel very much back in the Old West now. I gave Graeme his today and he just loves them, exactly what he was hoping for. We both appreciate the work and research that has gone into them, thank you so much. Your engraving skills are exceptional. It will be a pleasure to wear them and we will give out your business cards to anyone who inquires.
We have a shoot coming up on 27 October, so will procure photos and them email them to you."
Best regards
Leonie Macreadie, Victoria, Australia
"No
compromises here. New on the market, I recently found this supplier of
quality reproduction historic eyeglasses that are ready for our
prescription lenses. I have compared them side by side with my own
mid-19th century originals.
They
are true to lens shape and temple design, with the added benefit of
being "beefed" up just enough to take every day wear and tear. The
designs span the years 1835-1880. The spectacle cases are beautifully
made. Highly recommended!
Carol Verbeeck, Making a Spectacle of
Ourselves...or how to see what your doing at "period correct" events.
The Digital Docent, Carol Verbeeck, Morgan Hill, CA.
Re: History on Your Face article
Dear Alan and Tom,
A very nice compliment for your dedication.
Publicizing your combined knowledge in this manner is a wonderful contribution.
I fully agree because there is no longer a good excuse.
From now on, reenactors and movies must portray glasses that are historically proper for the period.
Regards,
Dr.David Fleishman ( www.antiquespectacles.com )
"Tom, thanks very much for the terrific article you sent. I know this will become a standard reference and great resource for all interested in historic eyewear. The photography is excellent. Now you'll have to consider another article on America's other eyewear from the Mayflower to the War of 1812. I am enjoying and using my comfortable glasses a lot and not just for living history events.
Thanks again for "History on your Face."
Fred M. Prouty,
Director of Programs
Tennessee Wars Commission