1840-95 Oval Large Spectacle frame Blued Steel finish

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Description

1840-95 Oval Large Blued Steel

Incuded with purchase is 1800s Slip in Case and Micro Fiber Wipe with our Historic EyeWear Company logo.

THE HISTORY BEHIND THE STYLE

Steel Spectacle frames, often referred to as 'spring steel 'or 'Elastic spring steel' due to its flexibility, were first produced in America by William Becher in 1843. Prior to this time spring steel spectacles were imported from Europe. W & S Jones of London advertised "light blue steel" spectacles in 1830. Spectacle makers began adapting new techniques to increase production and reduce costs. Mass production permitted the manufacture of spectacle frames that were thinner, lighter in weight and less expensive to produce. Steel spectacles offered a less expensive option to Gold or Silver spectacles. Steel had a tendency to corrode so a Blueing process was often utilized to prevent rust. In 1848 Benjamin Pike advertised 'Fine Elastic Steel Frames' in Octagon, and Oblong shapes and soon James W. Queen & Co. and William Y. McAllister would follow with their own steel spectacle frames. The popularity of steel frames continued to about 1900.

~Our period correct 1800s Black Faux Leather Slip- in case is included with your frame purchase. It is also available for purchase separately for those who need a protective case for their antique eyewear. Available on a short version for Slide temple spectacle and in long version for one piece straight temple spectacles- like our 1840-95 Blue Steel spectacle frame.

~Keep your specs clean with our Historic EyeWear Company micro fiber cleaning cloth which is included with each purchase of spectacle frames. Using paper, tissues or other means can scratch your lenses. Our cloths are soft and do not scratch lenses.

Technical Details: 19th century Oval eyeglass frame, scroll bridge, straight temple, no nose-pads.