Catalogue Number: 2940 Black cat's eye shell spectacle frame, with stub sides Category: Spectacles and lenses Sub-Category: Spectacle frame Year Of Publication/Manufacture: c 1960 Time Period: 1940 to 1999 Place Of Publication/Manufacture: France Description Of Item: Black cat's eye shell spectacle frame, 124 x 30 mm, measured size 44/20, unglazed, with very short (65 mm) temples. Marked ' FRAME FRANCE ' on right temple. Historical Significance: The unusually short sides are most likely to enable the spectacles to be easily put on and removed without disturbing the hair of the user. They would also fold easily and take less space in a handbag. They have may been designed for quick use of spectacles to read the program at the opera or the menu when dining out in much the same way as lorgnettes were used. How Acquired: Donated by Estate of William Cooper, via Peter Lewis Date Acquired: Mar 2016 Condition: Good Location: Archive Office. Spectacles cabinet Drawer 4 |