Straw work spectacle case
 Catalogue Number: 1168 Straw work spectacle case Category: Spectacles and lenses Sub-Category: Spectacle case Year Of Publication/Manufacture: c1810 Time Period: 19th C Place Of Publication/Manufacture: England Description Of Item: Two section pull-off spectacle case in straw work. Probably for very small spectacles or pince nez. 135 x 43 mm Historical Significance: Much straw work came from French prisoners of war. Many were made as gifts to their English captors to get better living conditions. Most prisoners were based in Cambridgeshire, England from 1792 to 1815 (the end of the Battle of Waterloo). Similar items were made in France and Italy. Ref: Conway, Gary, Antique Spectacle Cases, 2015, p38 How Acquired: Donated by Francis Slade, Mid 20th C Melbourne optometrist Date Acquired: 1975 Condition: Fair to good Location: Archive room. West wall. Unit 4 Drawer 5 |