Eyeglasses

[Shotgun Franklin]

I'm still looking for some glasses. Something that would be correct for about 1890 to 1895.
Anyone have a site to recommed?

[Major 2]

start by looking here http://www.eyeglasseswarehouse.com/

[Books OToole]

I'm still looking for some glasses. Something that would be correct for about 1890 to 1895.
Anyone have a site to recommed?

River Junction Trading Co. has some reproduction frames that would be just right for that time frame.

Books

[St. George]

Once you've picked a suitable style, and before you've bought it - talk to a local 'manufacturing' optical shop - someone who deals with the commercial trade.

Generally, they'll be cheaper when you buy your prescription lenses and they 'may' have something already in stock.

Glasses from the time frame aren't the larger-sized ones of today - they feature small lenses and narrow ones, as a rule - you've seen these at antique shops.

They'll fit 'differently' on a today's better-nourished individual.

Good Luck.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Shotgun Franklin]

I really want new clones. I need glasses and want some I can wear all the time if needed. I also am really big and need wider than regular frames. There used to be an outfit that made various sizes but I lost track of'm.

[St. George]

There's a marked difference between what's worn today, and what was worn during the era.

The glasses of yesteryear do 'not' fit like those of the modern era - nor do they look right when worn, since they're smaller overall by far, and many of the styles had no nose pads for comfort or adjustment.

They 'perched' on the nose - usually at the bridge - sometimes far lower.

For day-to-day wear - I honestly don't think you'll be happy with period spectacles.

Talk to your optician or provider, and see if you can reach a happy medium - 'all' of them can locate larger frames for you.

Good Luck!

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Books OToole]

many of the styles had no nose pads for comfort or adjustment.

Actually I believe that "nose pads" are a 20th century improvement.  I have found no 19th glasses with them.

Books

[Delmonico]

The ones I wear day to day are modern glasses made out of titanium, in over 3 years they have never got out of shape, despite a couple of games of "catch me" with a 90 Lab having them in his mouth.  I have 2 pairs of 19th century glasses I've bought that are wide enough for my face.  Funny thing is my Rx is so thick they told me the only way they'll work is with Poly-carb lenses.

I hate any kind of plastic lens.

[Texas Lawdog]

Del, It doesn't look like Rowdy messed them up too bad. I need to get a new pair after the first of the year. I really like those frames. I usually get my glasses at EyeMasters. I need to go frame shopping soon.

[levi86]

You can also check out http://vintageopticalshop.com, they have a  large selection of vintage eyeglasses.

[River City John]

www.focusers.com/mcallister.html

These are modern made and are able to be fitted by optical shops. Many period frames are not put together with screws at the juncture with the bows, so most Opticians can't work with them.

These are the ones I bought and had my prescription put in. The frames were $45.00, which is a bargain, and are very sturdy plus are sized a tad wider than most period frames.

RCJ

[Ima Sure Shot]

Go  here first http://www.antiquespectacles.com/and look at what was actually available at the time. There is a rectangle under the banner that says Identify or some such.  This place has a collection of pictures and paintings of actual glasses along with the history of them and how to date them.  You can look at different frame types if you need more than the reading glasses as I do.  Also, they show a pair of period amber shooting glasses with an insert in one lense.  I am all for being historically correct, but you only have two eyes and should take care of them. Large lensed, Wire framed saftey glasses with side shields are much better in this case for when you are shooting. They protect the eyes from lead splatter and hot gasses. They look much more historcial than saftey goggles over the little reading glasses type, and they function much better as they do not fog as bad. If you intend to only use them for museum tours, campouts, lectures and such the small reading glasses type are great.  If you intend to actually shoot in them and or wear them every day, look at what else was available during the time period and go for safety. Regular glass lenses shatter and pieces go into the eye and endanger your vision. The reason for OSHA /ANSI approved saftey lenses.   Saftey lenses are a must to shoot in,in my opinion. If you shoot much you will have lead splatter hit you in the face, and sooner than later. Hot gasses are something else, blowback is right in your face again, it is your vision. That being said, our local Walmart optical section stocks wire saftey frames for "Big" guys. Celeste

[River City John]

Most everyone I know who wears period eyewear wears shooting goggles either over them, or prescription shooting glasses and save the period eyewear for when you're not on the firing line.

RCJ

[Okefinokee Outlaw]

Thanks River City John.  I just ordered a pair.  I do have period late 1870 glasses, but can't wear them for very long.  The temples dig into my fat head.

[bowiemaker]

I would like to find some period correct non-prescription reading glasses at a reasonable price. One source I had for them is always out of stock.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

I would like to find some period correct non-prescription reading glasses at a reasonable price. One source I had for them is always out of stock.

Hamilton Dry goods has had many in stock when I visited their "mobile" store at 3 of the NCOWS National Shoots in Evansville.  I bought a pair for $25, as I recall.  The ones I bought were 1.5 as I recall, but they had 15 to 20 others of different strengths at the time.

Bowiemaker, did anyone contact Fall Creek Suttlery?  (Their spelling, not mine)  I know they bill themselves as Civil (or as I call it, UnCivil) War sutlers, but they have a LOT of other things besides just CW uniforms & accessories, and their prices on guns and stuff are excellent.  Since they probably can't sell cartridge (FFL type) guns in KY, they would have to make arrangements with your FFL, but I'll bet Andy Fulks (Owner) might be able to do SOMETHING.  Besides, I'm not sure, but he MIGHT be able to sell C&B guns - but don't quote me as saying he CAN/WILL.  They are great folks to do business with!!  (They have gotten captured a LOT of my money over the last decade!)

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I would like to find some period correct non-prescription reading glasses at a reasonable price. One source I had for them is always out of stock.

Go to the focusers link RCJ provided.  As an option, they come as standard reading glasses, if you are lucky to require one of the three strengths they provide; 1.25, 2.50 or 3.25

RCJ;  they are neat but could they be adapted to have "riding temples"?

[Tascosa Joe]

Sir Charles:

The Windsor style glasses from Focusers have the riding temples but the price is a lot higher.

T-Joe

[bowiemaker]

I jsut ordered a pir of the McAllister readers from Focusers. They were the outfit that had always been out of stock when I looked before. They are kind of pricey at $45.

Steel Horse, I am pretty sure someone talked with Fall Creek Sutlery about the convention but I will check to be sure.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Thanks, Bowie Man!

These glasses from Focusers DO look a lot better constructed than the ones I got from Hamilton Dry goods.  If I need this type of glasses more, I'd buy these for sure.  The ones I have are 1.25 or 1.5 power and are good enough for occasional use, but I am needing a stronger diopter, I think is the word.  They need to be stronger.  I'm thinking that I may get a set of the 2.5, 'tho I really don't NEED them that strong.  A few months ago I took my last check-up at the VA eye specialist and my far vision has degenerated to 20-20 in my right eye and 30-20 in my left.  My durn arms aren't long enough any more, tho - and that's why I need readin' glasses at all!