Spectacles and spectacle case, pince nez, folding, in alloy snap lid case, English, 1870-1925

Pince-nez or nose-pinching spectacles reached their height in popularity in the late 1800s. They had been around in some form since the 1500s. This pair is typically designed with a C-shaped nose bridge. This example also has a padded leather bridge. The lenses fold at the nose bridge and are secured by a steel latch. Pince-nez spectacles required skill and practice to balance on the nose. These spectacles can be carried in a snap lid case once folded.