Antique Cork and Steel Pince-Nez 1880
This antique cork and steel pince-nez dates from around 1880 and represents a distinct style from the ebonite and horn rim frames of the same era. The frame features steel rims with warm tortoiseshell-toned cork nose pads — a combination that gives this pair a refined and elegant appearance. It is new old stock, meaning it was never sold or worn after manufacture.
The steel construction is notably lightweight. The oval lenses sit in slender metal rims that frame the eyes with quiet elegance. The cork nose pads cushion the spring clip comfortably against the nose. Cork padding of this kind is a rarely surviving detail on frames of this age, making this pair especially collectible.
According to Rosenthal in his book, pince-nez were first developed by the French in 1840. They flourished in the late 1800s and some even wear them today (but not many)
Construction and Materials
Steel pince-nez frames of this period were produced to a high standard of precision. The spring mechanism holds the frame firmly on the nose without any temples or ear pieces. The oval lens shape was the dominant form of the 1870s and 1880s. Combined with the slender steel rims and warm cork pads, this pair has a graceful, understated quality typical of the best American and European optical work of the period.
Available Power
This cork and steel pince-nez is currently available in one power:
- +2.75 diopters — a moderate to strong reading power suited to a person in their mid-fifties with advancing presbyopia, or anyone needing firm reading support.
An optician can replace the original lens with any prescription or plain glass if preferred.
