Quizzing glass, cased, France, 1800-1820

Quizzing glass, cased, France, 1800-1820

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Science Museum Group Collection
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Quizzing (quizzer) spectacles, gold plated, ornately embellished, in snap lid leather case, French, 1800-1820

Quizzing glasses were popular in the 1700s and 1800s. This type of quizzer glass has a ring at the end to attach the spectacle to a cord or a ribbon. This was then worn around the neck, so the glass was readily available. The quizzer glass has a short, gold-plated handle and a small lens. The ornate decoration and use of gold plate indicate a wealthy owner wanting to make a fashion statement.

Spectacles were increasingly common in the 1700s. Designs such as the quizzer spectacle allowed wealthier and elite members of society to distinguish themselves from the lower classes.

Details

Category:
Ophthalmology
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A682099
Materials:
gold (plated), leather, velvet, silk and glass
Measurements:
overall: 12 mm x 101 mm x 56 mm, .06 kg
spectacles: 82 mm 37 mm,
type:
spectacles