Tortoise-shell eyeglasses, ornate bridge.
 Catalogue Number: 842 Tortoise-shell eyeglasses, ornate bridge. Category: Spectacles and lenses Sub-Category: Spectacles (with lenses) Year Of Publication/Manufacture: c1935 Time Period: 1900 to 1939 Place Of Publication/Manufacture: Melbourne, Australia Publisher/Manufacturer: Charles Wantrup Description Of Item: Tortoise-shell eyeglasses, round eye, convex lenses. Bridge formed in a design of intertwined goose necks, providing a handle. (No sides) Size: W: 12.5 cm x D: 6.5 cm. Historical Significance: Charles Wantrup was a Melbourne optometrist. He brought some sections of real tortoise-shell from Europe to Melbourne before WW2. It is likely that he fashioned this item (and also Items 840 & 841) as optical curiosities to entertain his personal interest and to show off his craftsmanship. How Acquired: Donated by Mrs Wantrup, widow of Charles Wantrup, Melbourne optometrist Condition: Excellent Location: Archive Office. Spectacles cabinet Drawer 6 |