The very first trial lens frame came along in the latter part of the 1800′s. It consisted of a lower half that could hold a loose lens. The loose lens was then held in place by a spring-like clip above. Over time this evolved to the ability to hold two lenses on the same side with the cylindric lens being able to be rotated.
This trial frame is in the style of Pfalz, from 1901. It consists of a steel frame with two grooves inside to hold the spherical and the cylindric lens. This one also has 3 metal hooks on the front of each side in order to hold another lens.The front has the axis marked in degrees from 0 to 180. The nose bridge is in the classic “C” shape, common in 18th century eyeglasses.
The temple pieces are the straight wire type common in the late 1800′s
It is listed in the spectacles section because of its resemblance to them.
Museum, Spectacles
