logologo-optometry

Rimless fused bifocal glasses in blue leather wallet case

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Catalogue Number: 3338
Rimless fused bifocal glasses in blue leather wallet case
Category: Spectacles and lenses
Sub-Category: Spectacles with case
Year Of Publication/Manufacture: Mid 20th century
Time Period: 1940 to 1999
Place Of Publication/Manufacture: Melbourne
Publisher/Manufacturer: Coles and Garrard Pty Ltd
Description Of Item: Shaped glass bifocal lenses fitted to gold-filled rimless frame, curl sides each stamped '1/10 12K G F', contained in a blue-coloured pebble-grain wallet style case gold stamped under flap 'COLES & GARRARD PTY LTD / 370-372 BOURKE ST.'
Historical Significance: The rimless frame was probably made in England. The lenses would have been ground and fitted to the frame in Melbourne, Australia by Coles and Garrard Pty Ltd. It was founded in March 1922 and became the largest optometry firm in Melbourne until it was sold to OPSM in 1988 and ceased trading under its name a few years afterwards. It was located at 370 to 372 Bourke Street, Melbourne. From the 1940s it established branches in country towns and at the Chadstone Shopping Centre in 1960. Earle Coles was the proprietor.
How Acquired: Donated by Elizabeth Hatfield, Fellow of the College
Date Acquired: June 2017
Condition: Good but solder repair to bridge
Location: Archive Office. Spectacles cabinet Drawer 17

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