A delicate and elegant pair of antique gold filled wire rim spectacles dating from around 1890, representing the refined craftsmanship of late Victorian optical frame making at its finest. These slender oval wire frames carry the mark “GF” with a “b” inside the “q” under the bridge — a hallmark indicating gold filled construction, consistent with the quality standards and marking conventions typical of this era.
The frames feature the distinctive “W” bridge design characteristic of spectacles from this period, in which the bridge curves in a double arc to sit comfortably across the nose without the need for nose pads. The temple pieces are of the wrap-around wire style, curling behind the ears to hold the spectacles securely in place — a practical and enduring design that required no hinges and could be adjusted to fit a wide range of wearers.
The frames are currently without lenses, which can easily be fitted by any optician to prescription or as plain glass, making these a wearable as well as collectible piece. Their fine wire construction and gold filled finish give them a lightness and elegance that remains remarkably appealing more than 130 years after they were made.
A wonderful example of late 19th century American optical frame craftsmanship, in fine wearable condition.
