When coupled with the smaller average stature of men and women in the 19th century versus today, it can require some searching to find a pair that fits your face.Īt Eyeglasses Warehouse, we are dedicated to procuring an expanding inventory of these rarer eyeglasses in a range of fits and styles.
SMART SHOOTER GLASSES CIVIL WAR FULL
The smaller lenses and general eyeglass style during the majority of the 1800s meant that straight frame glasses were only about two-thirds the width of the face as opposed to the full width glasses that became common in the 1900s. This leaves us with fewer straight temple glasses in existence than other styles. Because these glasses did not easily stay on, their use was limited and it was not uncommon for the frames to be melted down to reclaim the valuable gold or silver. There are two main challenges when selecting period accurate straight temple glasses to wear. For costumers, props masters, and others working in theater or film, the distinct look of straight temple glasses is a quality addition to many productions. Since our glasses are antiques, they are an authentic part of your uniform or period attire. They are also very popular for Civil War reenactors. We provide straight temple eyeglasses for collectors, those that want a unique pair of eyeglasses, or any other use. Creating a curve to keep eyeglasses securely on the wearer’s face was now inexpensive, leaving little need for straight temple frames, although some manufacturers continued to produce these glasses until 1920. This was largely due to the introduction of spring steel which was easily shapeable. The wire frames surrounding the lenses were almost always thin.īy the end of the 1800s, straight temple glasses were out of style. Oval was the most common lens shape, with octagonal or square as alternatives. The frames could also be metal plated instead of pure metal.
Popular metals included for these glasses include: Straight temple glasses were made of a variety of metals or tortoiseshell. Additionally, glasses were not yet a stylish accessory and smaller lenses were less likely to stand out on the face. Producing large lenses was cost prohibitive with the lens grinding capabilities of the era. Like other glasses of the time, straight temple glasses had small lenses. There is some debate, however, regarding whether sharpshooter glasses were indeed used in hunting or were only for everyday wear as sunglasses. A yellow or orange lens was most popular as it provided better contrast when looking at the sky, such as when the wearer was shooting birds. The lenses of shooting glasses were frosted except for a small circle in the center. When made with colored lenses, straight temple glasses could be designed as sharpshooter glasses. Doctors of the time also purported the health benefits of different colored glasses lenses, which could be added to straight temple glasses and worn frequently for that reason. Although not suitable for outdoor exercise, they offered protection for sensitive eyes when sitting outside. Straight temple glasses with colored lenses served as sunglasses. People who wished to wear these glasses while moving would generally tie the arms together behind their head with a string. This was due to the fact that the straight temple would not hold the glasses while the wearer was moving.Įven activities around the home like walking or cooking would often result in straight temple glasses falling off.
They were worn by both men and women primarily during reading, letter writing, embroidery, and other stationary tasks. These glasses were machine made, offering a more affordable solution for those in need of glasses. Manufacturers introduced straight temple glasses in 1833. As the name suggests, the temple piece of these spectacles was straight, extending from the lens frame without a curve to fit them over the ear. Straight temple glasses were the equivalent of today’s reading glasses. About Our Authentic Straight Temple Glasses As a rarer frame style, our selection of straight temple eyeglasses changes as we locate new pieces so we encourage you to check back regularly to find the right pair.
Historically used for reading, embroidery, or other similar pastimes, our straight temple glasses are ready to be fitted with prescription lenses, magnification lenses, tinted lenses, clear lenses for reenactors, or just added to your collection. These are the original 19th century straight temples, crafted over 150 years ago. Each pair of glasses is ready to be warn, with only minor age-related markings. Eyeglasses Warehouse offers antique straight temple glasses made between the 1830s and early 1900s in a variety of eyeglass frame styles and materials.