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1835-80 Spectacle size, color, temple style
About Spectacle Size

Compared to modern eyeglasses, antique spectacles are very small. Lens grinding technology was the limiting factor in determining the size of early spectacles. Limited technology, coupled with the size

Front - Historic EyeWear Company 1835-80 Oblong
Naugatuck Valley Tarnished Brass
Rear - Original antique oblong spectacle in brass

of the average person in the mid 1800's combined to give people who wore spectacles an appearance indicative of that period; a defining frame-to-face ratio. Today we are physically larger than we were in the 1800's and original period spectacles are just too small for most of us. 

Unlike modern eyeglasses that are considered to fit properly when they are the same width as the wearer's face, a good rule of thumb for spectacle size is approximately two-thirds the width of the face, eyes centered horizontally in the lens portion of the spectacles. As we are physically larger today than in the past, spectacle sizes can be increased to comfortably fit the wearer, while maintaining the approximate frame-to-face ratio of the past.

 
 
 Pupillary Distance (PD)
 
Patient PD or Pupillary Distance is the distance between the centers of the pupils.
In the illustration above, A to B. This information can be obtained from you optical professional.
Frame P.D. is the distance between the center of the right lens and the center of the left lens. 
In order to emulate an authentic period appearance, the patient P.D. should closely match the frame P.D.
In effect, horizontally centering the eyes (right to left - left to right) in the spectacle frame, as illustrated above. On the vertical plane (top to bottom) the eyes should be located in the mid to upper portion of the frames allowing adequate room for bifocals or progressive lenses, if necessary.
 

Our reproduction spectacles have been produced in a range of sizes to accommodate most spectacle wearers, enabling them to recreate the frame-to-face ratio reminiscent of the past. This increase in size allows for the use of modern short corridor progressive lenses, bifocals and offers a wider field of vision while maintaining the authentic appearance of the period.

Top - Historic EyeWear Company
1835-80 Octagon
Bottom - original antique
octagon spectacle
Left - Historic EyeWear Company 1835-80
Octagon with reproduction period case
Right - original antique
octagon spectacle and case

The adjustable nose pads that are on practically all modern eyeglass frames today did not appear on spectacle frames until the mid 1930's, more than seventy years after the end of the Civil War.

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About Spectacle Materials

Nineteenth century spectacles were typically constructed from a variety of materials. Frames made during this period included those of gold, silver, German silver, brass, plated, tortoise shell, blued steel wire and common steel wire. Today these materials are rarely used in the manufacture of eyeglasses. Our spectacles are constructed of an alloy known as Monel, a commonly used material in the manufacture of eyeglass frames today. To capture the patina of original antique spectacles we use a high quality electroplating process coupled with a protective clear-coat finish. Colors were carefully chosen to represent the originals they were modeled after, both new and with the patina of age. Tombstone Silver Dust models period coin silver as new, Virginia City Gold Dust models original 8k-10k gold spectacles, Leadville Tarnished Silver models period coin silver with the patina of age, Naugatuck Valley Tarnished Brass models period brass spectacles with the patina of age and Silver City Silver models high purity silver. See our Specs FX page for more ideas on spectacle finishes. 

The color identifications of our spectacles do not necessarily represent the timeline of gold or silver discoveries in America, but represent the historic locations in which these discoveries were made.

About Spectacle Temple Styles 

  This one-size-fits-all design allowed for flexibility of fit with the added advantage of storage in a smaller, more compact case. Original 19th century spectacles have been found with ribbon or cord attached to the temple finials verifying use of this early version of a modern 'sports band' to hold spectacles securely on the face.  Ribbon, cord, leather or horsehair can be tied closely to keep the spectacles in place when active or tied loosely and hung from the neck to keep spectacles handy for close activities. 

Top - Historic EyeWear Company narrow loop slide temple
Bottom - Original antique narrow loop slide temple

The metal to metal contact of the slide temple will, over time, show some signs of wear, as do the original spectacles they were modeled after. This is normal and expected and adds to the antiqued patina of your Historic EyeWear Spectacles frames.

 
 

All Historic EyeWear Company spectacles are permanently etched with our name and model number so as not to be mistaken for original antique spectacle frames. The model number designation of each Historic EyeWear Company reproduction spectacle reflects the period of greatest popularity and common use.

"The narrow-loop slide temple was an American innovation which first appeared in the mid 1830's and was popular beyond 1880.” Alan McBrayer

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alan McBrayer, shown on left, is a foremost authority on early
American spectacle manufacturing, a noted author, researcher,
past president of the Ocular Heritage Society,
and a former reenactor.
He is currently writing a book on the
history of American spectacle manufacturers.
 
 
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Spectacle Fit & Adjustment

Our spectacles are designed to rest on the bridge of the nose and on top of each ear, with minimal pressure against the temples. If the spectacles cause indentations along your temple line, they are too tight. The flexible temple extension should be bowed conforming to the curvature of the head. Photograph #1

Photograph #1 - Flexible
temple extension

The flexible temple extension will hold the spectacles securely in place.

Start with the fixed section of the temple overlapping the flexible slide section of the temple about 1.5 to 2.0 inches and adjust in or out a bit from there until comfortable. For some, the temple may require no extension whatsoever.

The amount of extension will depend on the size of the wearer. The slide extension need not be fully extended unless you are a large person requiring long temples of 6.5 inches. Average temple length is about 5.5 to 5.75 inches. When the slide temple sections overlap it gives the spectacles added strength and stability. Photograph #2

Photograph #2 - Overlapping
slide temple sections
Photograph #3 Proper technique for
putting on and removing your spectacles

When putting on and taking off your spectacles use two hands, grasp the temples at the point where the two temple sections overlap, and put on or take off your spectacles. This will maintain your temple length adjustment and avoid readjustment. Using one hand to remove your spectacles will loosen and stretch them out necessitating more frequent adjustments. Photograph #3

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Your Optical Professional

We can supply nonprescription lenses, both period and modern types, with clear, colored, photochromic and polarized lenses, as well as basic readers up to +2.75 diopters via the internet. Persons requiring prescription glasses, bifocals etc. can bring their Historic EyeWear Spectacle frames to their local Optical professional to fill their prescription and recommend corrective lens types suited to their particular needs. We recommend one of our retail merchants in your area or your local, independent Optician who can measure, fit and adjust your spectacles for the best vision and most comfortable fit.

Once properly adjusted, and with reasonable care, your Historic EyeWear Spectacles will last a very long time and will become a collectible for future generations.

Clinton Mirror February 1904

As with all things new, there will be a period of break-in as you adjust to your new spectacles, just like your favorite boots, hat, saddle or holster.

 

A Certificate of Authenticity, Cleaning Cloth and  Thank you card comes with each History EyeWear Company Spectacle and Case purchase

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