Images(4)

Spectacles

Date1800-1820

OriginAmerica

MediumSilver

DimensionsOL (face): 4 3/8"; OL (temple pieces): 6 5/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1964-287

DescriptionFront section of frame fitted for two circular lenses; arched bridge between and a shaped divided section at the extreme sides of lens holders with hinged joint for temple pieces; flat strip-like temple pieces with intermediate hinge and spread ends of loop-shaped outline with conforming opening. "Presented by Mrs. Francis Van Rensselaer" in script letters engraved on face of right temple piece and "To P.E. Elmendorf" on left.
Label TextThese eyeglasses were engraved at a later date upside-down on their bows “Presented by Mrs. Francis Van Rensselaer” and “To P.E. Elmendorf.”
Inscribed"Presented by Mrs. Francis Van Rensselaer" in script letters engraved on face of right temple piece and "To P.E. Elmendorf" on left.
ProvenanceListed in an inventory of Peter Edmund Elmendorf is "1 Silver Spectacles," valued at one dollar. Appearing in the bills of sale of 1874 is "1 Silver Spectacles Marked P.E.E." and "1 pr Silver Spectacles Marked P.E.E." The references are in all probability to our pair of spectacles. It is interesting to note that in the bills of sale of 1874, there is listed a pair of gold spectacles with an M.E. inscription. In the 1964 show of Albany silver, a pair of double-lensed spectacles by Shepard & Boyd and an advertisement of theirs with a cut of similar spectacles were illustrated in the catalogue. They are not too dissimilar to our pair.