Tortoise-shell eyeglasses
 Catalogue Number: 840 Tortoise-shell eyeglasses 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 (no sides), simple 'V' bridge. W: 9.2 cm x D: 4.5 cm. Historical Significance: Charles Wantrup was a Melbourne optometrist. He brought some sections of real tortoiseshell from Europe to Melbourne before WW2. It is likely that he fashioned this item (and also Items 841 & 842) 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 |