Spectacles
Spectacles
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- Description
- These silver-framed eyeglasses with round lenses are know as Martin's Margins. They were invented by Benjamin Martin (1704–1782), an instrument maker from London, England. The dark rims were supposed to protect wearers from excessive light and improve their vision. This pair probably dates from the second half of the eighteenth century. Most Martin's Margins frames are made from steel or silver and have either horn or tortoiseshell rims.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- spectacles
- Other Terms
- spectacles; Eyeglasses
- date made
- 1750-1800
- maker
- unknown
- Physical Description
- silver (frame material)
- glass (lenses material)
- horn (inner rims material)
- Measurements
- extended: 3.3 cm x 10.6 cm x 8.7 cm; 1 5/16 in x 4 3/16 in x 3 7/16 in
- ID Number
- MG.M-11223
- accession number
- 260033
- catalog number
- M-11223
- Credit Line
- Dache M. Reeves
- subject
- Ophthalmology
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Medicine
- Health & Medicine
- Clothing & Accessories
- Artifact Walls exhibit
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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