Black Xylonite Spectacles 1927 | Round Lens Readers

An Early Plastic Shapes 1920s Eyewear

These black xylonite spectacles date to 1927 and feature classic round lenses. Xylonite was an early trade name for what soon became known as celluloid, one of the very first man-made plastics. Manufacturers used it to produce lightweight, durable frames well before modern plastics existed. Black became the most popular color for xylonite frames during the 1920s, giving rise to the bold, round-lens look now closely associated with the decade.

Reading Glasses Built for Close Work

The lenses in this pair are glass and carry about +2.50 diopters of power in each eye. That power level was typical for someone around sixty years old who needed help reading. Younger hobbyists who did sustained close work, such as fine handwork or magnification-heavy tasks, also favored this strength. According to one source, Bausch & Lomb manufactured this particular pair in 1927. Founded in Rochester, New York, in 1853, Bausch & Lomb grew into one of the most recognized names in American optical history.

Distinctive “Skull-Shaped” Temples

The unusual temple pieces on these black xylonite spectacles are often called “skull-shaped.” This distinctive curve helped the temples hug the head securely, a practical solution before more standardized temple designs became common. Collectors today frequently associate this round-lens, dark-rimmed look with comedian Harold Lloyd, whose signature glasses made the style iconic. Others simply call it the “Harry Potter” look, given its resemblance to more recent pop culture eyewear.

A Recognizable Style From a Transformative Decade

Round-lens black xylonite spectacles capture a genuine turning point in eyewear history. Celluloid frames made stylish glasses more affordable and accessible to a wider range of wearers. This pair offers collectors a well-preserved example of that shift, paired with a fascinating design detail in its temple shape. Browse more pieces from this era in our spectacles collection.