The Origins: A Craft of Craftsmanship
The story begins in the fifteenth century, where the earliest spectacle frames were crafted from brass, iron, leather, horn, bone, nickel, silver, and even wood. An inventory from Exeter Palace, part of Walter Stapledon’s possessions, included a pair of spectacles framed in gilded silver and valued at an impressive 18 shillings. By the middle of the century, frames evolved to include bone or horn, cleverly split to accommodate lenses, then tied firmly together with thread. This ingenuity laid the foundation for what would become a staple accessory.
The first lenses, designed for the farsighted, were convex and made from stone or ground from beryl or quartz. Later, they were crafted from glass, with the best sections carefully selected. Imagine the skill involved! By 1420, ruling classes flaunted gold frames with crystal lenses, a trend that peaked during the marriage celebration of Austrian Duchess of Juta. This historical allure makes early spectacles a captivating addition to any collection.
A Legacy of Innovation
The story takes us to the ambassador of the Austrian Court, who claimed that the “beryl” nose spectacles—later known as the French béricle and Italian occhiale—were invented by his compatriot. The manufacture of glasses began in France in the early part of the fourteenth century, with figures like Guy de Chauliac and Petrarch, contemporaries of spectacle makers, referencing their use. By 1465, the spectacle makers’ guild was established in France, even parading before King Louis XI alongside haberdashers.
This rich history is extracted and supported by illustrations, such as the depiction of Saint Paul from an illuminated manuscript around 1380,
Why Invest in Antique Eyewear?
The text highlights how eyeglasses were valuable possessions, often stored in ornate cases made of wood, metal, or ivory, and sometimes decorated with grotesque masks, lions, unicorns, or strange monsters. By later centuries, these cases were embellished with graceful arabesques, Biblical scenes, or religious symbols, turning them into works of art. Records from 1403 mention a gilded silver plate forged to hold glasses, a testament to their worth.
Antique eyewear offers more than aesthetic appeal—it’s a tangible piece of history. Whether it’s the single eyeglass mentioned in Chaucer’s The Wife’s Tale or the inventive designs of the past, these items have a story to tell. The durability of materials like gold and silver, combined with their rarity, ensures they hold value over time. Imagine owning a piece that once graced the nose of a medieval scholar or noble!
So what is stopping you?
For collectors and investors, antique eyewear represents a niche market with growing appeal.
Happy hunting, and may your collection grow as richly as these timeless treasures!
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