Shop sign in the shape of pince-nez spectacles

Made:
1871-1900 in Europe
Shop sign in the shape of a pair of pince-nez

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Shop sign in the shape of a pair of pince-nez
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Shop sign in the shape of a pair of pince-nez, probably for an optician's shop, number 213, late 19th century

This large pair of pince-nez spectacles was used as a shop sign in the late 1800s. It indicated an optician’s shop or perhaps a spectacle maker. The pince-nez, or nose-pinching spectacles, were particularly popular in the late 1800s – although the design had been in existence for several centuries.

As the numbering of houses and businesses was not standard practice until the 1800s, it was common for shop signs to use symbols to advertise their presence and to describe the type of trade carried out on the premises. This sign would undoubtedly have been quite eye-catching to a potential customer walking down the road.

Details

Category:
Ophthalmology
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A606423
Materials:
iron, glass, paint and complete
Measurements:
overall: 261 mm x 750 mm x 47 mm, 1.62 kg
type:
shop sign
credit:
Loan, Wellcome Trust

Parts

Shop sign in the shape of pince-nez spectacles

Shop sign in the shape of pince-nez spectacles

Shop sign in the shape of a pair of pince-nez, probably for an optician's shop, number 213, late 19th century

Materials:
iron , glass , paint and complete
Object Number:
A606423/1
type:
shop sign
Bracket and screws for shop sign in the shape of pince-nez spectacles

Bracket and screws for shop sign in the shape of pince-nez spectacles

Bracket and two screws for shop sign in the shape of a pair of pince-nez, probably for an optician's shop, number 213, late 19th century

Materials:
paint and iron
Object Number:
A606423/2
type:
shop sign