Frog- mouth spectacle case
 Catalogue Number: 1159 Frog- mouth spectacle case Category: Spectacles and lenses Sub-Category: Spectacle case Year Of Publication/Manufacture: Early 20th C Time Period: 1900 to 1939 Description Of Item: Frog-mouth spectacle case with flap-end opening. Metal covered with black Morocco leather with black velvet lining. Gold embossed with practice trade mark for W T Kett, Optician 276 and 278 Little Collins Street Melbourne. 160 x 40 mm Historical Significance: W T Kett (1851-1906) was the father of William G Kett (1887-1962) and Cyril Woodforde Kett (1890-1971), both optometrists and both prominent in professional affairs in the 20th C. WG Kett was a leader in NSW and CW Kett was a foundation councillor of the Australian College of Optometry. WT Kett is described by Cole (Clin Exp Optom 2000; 83:283) as variously a grazier, a photographic supplies retailer and an optician.William George Kett's birth certificate, No. 21727, shows his father's occupation as grazier. WT Kett's death certificate, No. 2555, gives his occupation as optician. Sands and McDougall's Melbourne Directories list him as a photographic materials supplier at 263 Little Collins St Melbourne from 1898. Wise's Victorian Post Office Directory 1888-1894 show that WT Kett was also a postmaster, a commission agent and a gold broker in Warburton, Victoria, between 1888 and 1897. How Acquired: Donated by C W Kett, Early 20th C Melbourne optometrist and honorary life member of the College Date Acquired: 1970 Condition: Fine Location: Archive room. West wall. Unit 4 Drawer 5 |