logologo-optometry

Round eye tortoise shell spectacles and snap case

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Catalogue Number: 2492
Round eye tortoise shell spectacles and snap case
Category: Spectacles and lenses
Sub-Category: Spectacles with case
Year Of Publication/Manufacture: c 1920
Time Period: 1900 to 1939
Place Of Publication/Manufacture: England
Publisher/Manufacturer: Hamblins Ltd
Description Of Item: Small round-eye 'tortoise' shell rimmed spectacles, 100 x 35 mm, with gold saddle bridge and gold curl sides. No markings. Right temple has broken at join to front. Glazed with meniscus lenses with low power base curve, approx right and left +2.00 DSph, contained in a small (115 x 47 mm) black fabric covered metal snap case with green velvet lining, gold stamped underneath THEODORE HAMBLIN LTD / 35 PARK LANE LEEDS / AND / LONDON W.1. / AND BRANCHES
Historical Significance: Theodore Hamblin Ltd was an old-established English firm of opticians and instrument makers Established 1909 originally at 15 Wigmore St., London, England; now part of Dolland and Aitchison. Henry Thomas Hamblin (better known as Theodore) was born (1873) at Walworth, London into a poor family. He was determined to emerge from the rut which everyone was destined to fall into without being able to afford proper school and training. After a difficult start working in various jobs and being in debt he decided to become an Optician. Despite lack of money and poor prospects, his determination won him through and he qualified. Hamblin went on to become an extremely successful businessman and founded Theodore Hamblin (now Dollond and Aitchison) which was frequented by royalty, the rich and the famous. Died 1958. He was spiritually inspired and established the Hamblin Trust dedicated to enriching people's lives through right thinking. See http://www.thehamblintrust.org.uk/history.htm
How Acquired: Donated by Bruce Nichols, Kew, Vic
Date Acquired: Aug 2014
Condition: Fair. Right side broken away from front
Location: Archive Office. Spectacles cabinet Drawer 13

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