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This style of spectacles are called “Windsors” and
feature leather side flaps, a leather nosepiece, and a
thin metal frame with round lenses with arms that
wrap around the ears. photo: Kovels

These “Martin” spectacles were developed in the late 18th century by Benjamin
Martin and distinctive thick-rimmed design and violet or green tinted lenses
(which do not survive in this example) were ridiculed by some contemporaries but
ultimately proved popular and were copied by other makers. Martin used the glasses
as his trademark; an image of them appears on his trade cards and receipts.
“loupe” is the outcome of these early readers.
into a central handle. These can date to the late 18th century but were Spectacles are found in endless variety which will overwhelm a
continually produced until the late 19th century. Handles on scissors beginning collector who is not focused on a specific collecting area.
spectacles are often found with tortoiseshell or Spectacles also add a fitting period detail accessory for antiques or
mother of pearl handles. Revolutionary and Civil War collectors. A small collection which
“Quizing Glasses” were in use illustrates an evolution of eyeglasses makes a fascinating
from the mid-18th century to display for the ophthalmic professional.
the late Victorian era. These
are a single lens casual
reading magnifier and To view Ron Harmic’s online collection,
often very elaborate with visit medicalantiques.com/medical/Antique_spectacles
both long and short
handles. Often worn To learn more, and see additional examples,
around the neck on a cord by visit college-optometrists.org
both men and women, the fancy
ones were considered more fashionable than
spectacles. Round lens monocles have very small Optometrist figural eyeglasses trade sign. Great trade sign with gilt painted
handles or small loops added and were bronze nose piece and loops for hanging. Bevel glass lenses are reverse painted eyes.
awkwardly held by muscular effort in the This display came out of an old family estate. They had saved the contents of their
eye socket for reading. Today, a jeweler’s great grandfather’s 1800s optometry business. Sold at 1stdibs.com for $3,600

Continued from page 15
By 1910, shoes made a comeback in style for men, and a kind of
shortened spat became a required part of the gentleman’s attire.
Gentlemen's white spats became de rigeur in the early 1920s and were
considered the signature of elegance and privilege. Spats came to
represent both wealth and eccentricity.
Braces
Braces, a form of suspenders, were fashionable in men’s wear
beginning in the late 18th century through the early 20th century.
They were first used when gentlemen’s trousers were high-waisted and
unsuitable for a belt.
Early 19th century braces were
typically made of Morocco leather
but by 1840 it became popular to
wear embroidered braces made in
two separate bands, with tabs
and buttonholes. The gentleman
would attach these braces to
buttons on the trousers.
Antique 1920s Gentleman’s tan felt spats. Braces were the perfect gift for a
This pair was made in England for the American trade. young lady to embroider for her
It sold for the princely sum of $5 in the 1920s. fiancé, or for a wife to create for
Considering that the average male weekly wage in England in 1925 was about £5 her husband.
and in New York, in that era, a months rent averaged $30, 1/100 of today’s prices, Most braces were constructed of
it is clear that spats were prohibitively priced. silk, velvet, or canvas. During the
photo: classicshoesformen.com
1850s and 1860s, Berlin woolwork
up the lower part of the leg. Spats, especially white ones on highly on canvas was the most popular
polished black shoes, were an important part of a wealthy young style and featured brightly colored
man’s dress. wools embroidered in either geo-
Spats is an abbreviation of “spatterdash,” a sartorial concept born in metric or floral designs. Often Four sets of ca. 1850-1890
18th Century England as a protective accessory for military officers’ these braces were worn by the gentleman’s braces with
boots against mud. By the early 20th Century, spats or gaiters were groom at his wedding and were embroidery, two made of silk,
widely worn by both men and women and even integrated into shoes preserved as a family heirloom. in very good condition, sold for
$420 at Augusta Auctions
and boots.
22 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles