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Nothing
can ruin the effect of a period correct garment quicker than wearing modern
glasses. If you can wear contact lenses, that is fine. But those
of us who need glasses must work on this item of gear ASAP. If you cannot
go without your glasses at reenactments, make period correct glasses your top
priority.
Most folks claim that reproduction glasses are difficult to find, or that they can't afford another pair of glasses. Relax. Fannie and Vera are here to help with a bushel of low-cost solutions.
Period styles did not have nose pads, but featured a contoured arch that rested on the nose for support. The temples on period eyeglasses were straight - they did not wrap around the ear.
Most photos show octagonal or oval frames. Rarely, circular shapes are seen--these became more popular in later years. Period frames were fashioned much like a piece of fine jewelry, with meticulous workmanship. Gold glasses were 14K gold, silver glasses were sterling. Although the thin frames seem very delicate, they were well made and sturdy.
Variations
Some frames attached to a single wand in lieu of temples and were held up
to the eyes for use. Often called Lorgnettes, these were popular with
well-to-do ladies or gentlemen who were near-sighted. Instead of wearing
"unsightly" glasses all the time, they could raise their eyepieces
just long enough to focus on a distant object. Because of this practice,
they were sometimes called "theatre glasses" or "opera glasses".
(In modern terms, opera glasses refer to dainty little binoculars used to view
the stage.)
A style of glasses called "Nez Pince" were in use at the time. These glasses did not have temples, but used spring loaded nose pads that literally pinched the nose firmly to keep the glasses in place. A chain was usually attached to these glasses, with a little loop on the other end. This loop hooked over the ear, so that if the glasses fell off they would hang by this chain rather than crash to the floor. Some Nez Pince had a hair comb on the end of the chain, so ladies could attach them to their hair. Others had a ribbon that went around the neck.
Nez Pince glasses sat farther down the nose than regular glasses. They could be easily dislodged and were not practical for active persons. Most were used for reading or sewing.
Tinted Lenses This is one of those hot topics that will get the "experts" all fired up in conversation. Although clear lenses were in the majority, tinted glass lenses were in use during the Civil War. You can still see them in museums, usually tinted smoky gray, sometimes sporting lively colors.
Although the ozone layer was a bit more robust during the mid 1800s, folks with weak eyes were bothered by sunlight. "Weak eyes" were usually blamed on a childhood disease such as scarlet fever. Period tinted lenses were lightly colored - not dark like today's glasses. Colored lenses were not called sunglasses, and using them indicated that you suffered from weak eyes.
Dr. Richardson's glasses were invented in the 50s and their use continued during the Civil War era. These glasses used different colored lenses to treat the symptoms of various diseases. The glasses were darkly tinted, and had extra lenses that could be folded out to shade the side of the eye. Miss Vera has a lovely pair of original Dr. Richardson's glasses in green.
Clear or Tinted Lenses? If you possibly can, use clear lenses. These were the ones most commonly used. If you use tinted lenses, do not call them sunglasses--let inquiring visitors know that you wear them because you suffer from weak eyes.
It is virtually impossible to find modern-made glasses that have the correct look. Just as well, as modern frames are darn expensive. You can get the real thing for less than the price of a pair of new frames.
I
find many lovely antique glasses with the look of the period, but most of them
have the flexible wires that wrap around the ear. If that is all you can
find, get them anyway. Your hair will hide the wire and the important
part of you (your face) will look period correct.
Thrift stores generally have a basket of eyeglasses available, but it will take some searching to find any with the period look. Check anyway - some folks have been lucky enough to find them for $1.
Antique stores and fairs are your best bet to find frames. If you see some antique glasses on display at a store, be sure to ask the clerk if they have any more. Often the storekeeper will have more glasses in back for you to choose from, you might even find some that are already your prescription. I have seen period glasses, in excellent condition, for sale at antique fairs for $10 - $25 dollars.
If you have an old pair of prescription glasses on hand (I usually keep my old glasses for spares), you can have the local optician cut these lenses down to fit your period glasses. My local optician charges $10.00 for this service, quite a savings over new lenses.
I have seen antique frames for sale at sutlers from $25 - $45.00. This is still MUCH cheaper than a pair of new frames, folks, and will save you from having to hunt around.
Let
your friends know you are looking for glasses! Chances are they know
where you can find some. My best glasses came about in that way.
Mentioning that I needed some glasses, a friend whipped out a box of assorted
items she had purchased at an estate sale. In the box were a lovely pair
of period correct, silver glasses. I tried them on and I could see perfectly--they
were already my prescription! I cherish these glasses--both for the lucky
find and the dearness of the friend who gifted them to me.
Caution Please don't go without your glasses at a reenactment for the sake of looking period correct. We don't want you stumbling around like Mr. Magoo. Most clubs are understanding, and will let you wear your modern glasses for an event or two until you get period correct glasses. Your eyesight is very important, be sure to make period correct glasses a top priority.
Check out the History of Eyeglasses site for more information on eyewear.
Images from Fanny & Vera, the Daguerrian Society & Library of Congress