993.1136.1: Magnifier, Protective , 1881-1910

Additional Images

993.1136.1: Magnifier, Protective .
Image No. 2388 ; Photographer: Helen Kingsley

Object Description

Blued steel frame and brown silk eyecups with velvet padding, long straight side arms with small teardrop loop finials. Thread is wrapped around finials. Oval eyes with dark plastic lenses [black coating applied to internal surface] with viewing slits, the right side has a small oval opening, the left a rectangle opening. Over the openings are hinged magnifying glass lenses which are fixed internally. With orginal case; 13.7 x 5.3 x 5 cm. The manufacturer's name and address is stamped in gold print on the internal surface of the lid flap and a star on the outer surface.

Object Classification

Accession Number: 993.1136.1
Collection: Ophthalmology
Date: 1881-1910

Object Dimensions

  • Height: 4.4 cm
  • Width: 12.8 cm
  • Depth: 16 cm

Object Parts

  • a) Case
  • b) Spectacles

Object Materials

  • blued steel,
  • cardboard,
  • coating,
  • glass,
  • gold print,
  • leather,
  • paper,
  • plastic,
  • silk,
  • thread,
  • velvet

Acquisition Detail

  • Manufacturer: Carpenter & Westley Opticians
  • Owner: James Bissmire
  • History of Use: James Bissmire (1854-1947), Silversmith. Born in England where the spectacles were prescribed for him. He went to New York to work for Tiffany's in his 40's.