A charming and wearable antique gold plated pince-nez dating from around 1880, featuring the distinctive cork nose pads that are characteristic of this transitional period in eyewear history. This fine pair retains its original reading lenses of approximately +2.50 diopters of power, making it a complete and fully intact example of late Victorian personal eyewear.
The cork nose pads are a particularly interesting detail of this frame. Before the development of modern adjustable nose pads, cork was used to cushion and soften the grip of the spring mechanism that held the pince-nez onto the nose — increasing comfort during extended wear and helping to prevent the frame from slipping. Cork pads of this kind are rarely found intact on surviving pince-nez frames, making this a notably well-preserved example.
The gold plated finish gives the frame a warm and refined appearance entirely in keeping with the elegant personal accessories of the 1880s, when the pince-nez was at the height of its fashionable popularity among the professional and educated classes on both sides of the Atlantic. The oval lenses and graceful spring bridge are classic features of the period, and the overall condition of this pair is exceptional for its age.
A delightful piece of late 19th century eyewear history, wearable as well as highly collectible.
