Leather framed spectacles, silver folding nosebridge, first quarter 18th
century, Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, Buffalo, New York |
Carved pipe-bowl, meerschaum and bone, mid 19th century, Verazdin Municipal
Museum |
All glass spectacles, von Friedrich Voigtländer in Vienna, c. 1840, private
collection Austria |
Silver spectacles, brass banjo-style case, circa 1700, Blythe House, Science
Museum, London |
Horn and brass case, circa 1800 (possibly earlier), Medical History
Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland |
It is important also to specifically acknowledge the two major world
organizations devoted to collecting spectacles and studying their developmental
history. The many benefits to joining these clubs are evident by visiting their
websites. These two clubs are
the only ones of their kind in the entire world. I belong to both of them
because it is relatively inexpensive and, for me, it has been a wonderful
experience. And remember that they both publish newsletters which are filled
with useful information. Members of these clubs come from very diverse
backgrounds. Sure there are numerous opticians, optometrists, and
ophthalmologists. But there are also college professors, publishers,
retirees, librarians, consultants, antiques dealers, museum curators, and
even business executives There are some truly remarkable individuals, yet
most are regular people who just enjoy collecting and sharing information
related to a variety of objects represented in this field.
Everyone’s common
interest is in PRESERVING OCULAR HERITAGE. Not only do many collect
spectacles, but others collect binoculars, spyglasses, pince nez, eyebaths,
books, medals, equipment, glass eyes, or advertisements. There are people
who have instruments, Oriental articles, telescopes, opera glasses, prints,
votives, contact lenses, tokens, or dispensing aids. Then there are those
who have great interest in cases, advertisements, monocles, frames, signs,
lorgnettes, microscopes, quizzers, or optical saints. Some are very
specialized while others are simply “generalists” who have collected objects
that might appeal to just about anyone from a historical point of view. Not
so surprisingly, many collectors have accumulated an assortment of quite
interesting 20th century items, especially beautiful and very fashionable
spectacles. We all realize that these too will eventually become one hundred
year old antiques.
If this entire subject stimulates you and you have serious
interest in furthering the process towards joining one or both of these
clubs (the OHS and/or the OAICC) kindly type and then submit your information into the forms
linked below. Personally for me this has been
a true adventure!
Consider joining and I hope to see you at an upcoming
annual meeting.
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