Eye Glasses

[Last Southron]

I noticed the sutler from the approved list that specialized in eye glasses is missing anyone have any suggestions? I am nearly blind, can't wear contacts too old for surgery. Still looking for a civilian blanket open to suggestion. Thank you

[47thNYReb]

Re: Eye Glasses

Have you tried to find a pair of old glasses at an antique store? I picked up some frames for $10 and had lenses put in them for $50. It just took some time to find them. Good luck.

[Marine Mike]

Re: Eye Glasses

I got my frames from Eyeglass Warehouse in Maine and their web site is

http://www.eyeglasseswarehouse.com/

The website seems to be good for research for the period correct frames.They are antique dealers and buy up new old stock from places closing down for a variety of reasons. Frames can also be found for less coin on E-Bay, flea markets and antique stores if you are patient.
My Health Care provider gave my grief about putting in my perscription but I was able to go down the street and find someone else who could do it. Plastic lenses are default unless you ask for glass.
James Townsend is another site though they cater more to the F&I/Rev crowd. Web Site is http://www.jas-townsend.com/
Mike Stein

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Eye Glasses

Hallo!

IMHO... warning Will Robinson.

Historically, Townsend's "19th century" glasses are appropriate for say the1890's through the 1920's/1930's due to the curved spring flexible steel temple pieces.

Curt

[PogueMahone]

Re: Eye Glasses

Before buying a pair of antique glasses on eBay or even in an antique mall, make sure you know what you are looking for in terms of style and construction. One of the primary issues is finding a pair that is held together at the temples with screws rather than pins. Pins can't be replaced, so you can't have lenses mounted. Screws are required.

Also, work with your optometrist to determine what size frames you need if at all possible. Then get measurements of any potential frames to see if they come close.

[Pvt_M]

Re: Eye Glasses

not sure about eyeglasses, but as far as blankets go, I'd say go with a coverlet from Family Heirloom weavers. Got one in a trade from a messmate of mine, and I couldn't be happier with it

[Lt1stNCSS]

Re: Eye Glasses

i spent 4 hours in gettysburg going through antique glasses for myself this past sunday... the problem i found with the originals is this.

1. most of them had pins and not screws

2. my face is wider than most of the glasses

3 the arms were bent or didn't extend beyond my ears

4. price was great, most frames ranging between 18 and 45 bucks, but some of them were 120 or more for the frames


I ended up getting the lager style rectangle shaped glasses from Jas.Townsend, they are appropriate for civil war and were only 30 bucks..arent bent out of shape and i can put my own prescription in without a problem

Rob Riley

[Edwin Carl Erwin]

Spectacle Accoutrements

[QUOTE=Last Southron;173360]I noticed the sutler from the approved list that specialized in eye glasses is missing anyone have any suggestions? /QUOTE]

Gary,

G. L Crockett, Master Optician, at Spectacle Accoutrements placed my prescription in a pair of 1840's sliding temple spectacles. He did a great job of adjusting the frames to a better fit & secured an original case for me. I see as well or better with the 1840's specs than with my 21st century trifocal ones. The specs have held up perfectly in the field for several years now. Everyone I've referred to Spectacle Accoutrements has always praised the fine workmanship & timely customer service.

Contact info:
https://www.ivydiv_mp.tripod.com/spe...accoutrements/
2918 N. Rolling Road
Baltimore MD 21244
410-281-6069
cwspecs@verizon.net

[PogueMahone]

Re: Eye Glasses

The link to Spectacle Acc does not work. I got an error message saying it was not there.

[Last Southron]

Re: Eye Glasses

I did and have but wondered what these guys recommened. Thanks

[Last Southron]

Re: Eye Glasses

Thanks I'll give them a try

[Last Southron]

Re: Eye Glasses

www.familyheirloomweavers.com site has been down for weeks do you have anymore information?

[WILSONCREEK61]

Re: Eye Glasses

Here's another site from a place in , I believe, Texas. Hope it's of some help; http://optometristattic.com/index.htm

[Marine Mike]

Re: Eye Glasses

Jas. Townsend offers 5 different frames of which one has the incorrect spring temple that curls around the ear. As Curt points out that is style of temple is later than ACW/WBTS. Frames with nose pads are also not of this era. It seems most frames of this period were not designed for active (running or riding) wear.

Mike Stein

[Edwin Carl Erwin]

Re: Eye Glasses

The link to Spectacle Acc does not work. I got an error message saying it was not there.

Try again with this link: http://ivydiv_mp.tripod.com/spectacleaccoutrements/ . Failing that, Google search "spectacle accoutrements" & you'll get there.