OCB,
I agree that modern glasses of any kind detract from the overall experience though recognize that we’re issued only one set of eyes so it’s a good idear to take care of them, one of those non-negotiable things. I’ve seen enough lead splash, seemingly more common with underpowered loads, to be a concern of getting some real ocular damage.
One of our Association pards has done a great thing with his period spectacles that I’ll emulate next time I hit the range – PHP has fashioned leather side guards that slip on over the metal bows of his spectacles that provide side protection. This is an innovation that works in keeping the eyes safer and, though not documented as far as I know, is a great use of historic conjecture towards safety.
Now to get to something even closer to your goal of period eye protection, in using an item correct to the period (though an unlikely item to document) is the use of period goggles (shown and detailed below). This period avenue would likely provide as close equal protection to modern equivalents that you can find. Goggles of the type listed below are obviously not a 20th century innovation. These are not always very common to come across but you can find such at antique stores.
![](http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-4/1252580/1880sgoggles.jpg)
However, though the authenticity schtick is always the goal, eye protection is something that is a tough one to mandate even with period alternatives methinks and likely should not be – unless perhaps mandating goggles similar to those above to Originals only, for example. But take comfort in knowing that even with Originals class, what we do on the firing line is arguably not correct anyway – we can start with timers and stages in general for that one. So as you mention, after the shooting is when the history opportunities can really start anyway so the modern eye protection should be removed when no longer required toward that end.
This is a great subject and worthy of some good discussion.
And, in closing, as for hearing protection – nothing like a brace of empty .44 WCF cases to block the sound of gunfire. I’ve employed this technique many times but it blocks sound so effectively it’s hard to hear anything at all…!
YMH&OS,
Brass