Historical information

These glasses appear to be mainly sunglasses or ones for outdoors as the tinted glass and the shades indicate this. They would have been used commonly in the past (100 years ago or more) by those able to afford the cost of the item. Eye glasses were first used in the 13th century and bi-focals were invented in the late 18th century.

Significance

These items have no known local significance and are kept as interesting souvenirs of eye glasses used in the past.

Physical description

This is a pair of spectacles or glasses in a case. The glasses are made of thin metal and contain dark tinted glass. The eye-glass pieces are oval in shape. On the outer rims of the eye-glass pieces are two curved metal mesh covers attached to the metal rims by two screws on each side. These act as shades for the sun and side protection for the eyes and fold down when not in use. One of the shades is detached from its metal rim. The glasses case is made of cardboard and has a black mottled outer covering and a light brown inside lining. The case is much scuffed.