Antique 14K Gold Folding Spectacles, Pince Nez Reading Glasses and Aluminum Case

A superb pair of 18th century spectacles, pince nez in fine English marked 14k yellow gold, the lenses are intact and so is the original aluminum fitted case. The nose guard as you can see, missing only half on one side (can be replaced). Protected beautifully in that early aluminum etui, case, as shown. That aluminum was all the rage just about this time (c.1903-1915) and was hailed as almost as valuable then as was gold. The first was the invention of a new process for obtaining aluminum from aluminum oxide. Charles Martin Hall, an American chemist, and Paul L. T. Heroult, a French chemist, each invented this process independently in 1886. Used for lightweight value, hard firm durability. An aluminum case in this period would have been a very special one, indeed. Lens are both clear, unscratched and I’m unsure of the magnification, but somewhere between a +1.25 and a +2, I’d say since I can read with them on. All you need is a nice gold chain on which to wear these around your neck for reading. Or set them atop some old leather bound books for just the most fun accessory to your reading room or bedside table. A gorgeous pair!

Very good to excellent, you see the tiny “585” mark on them that guarantees they are solid 14k gold. The English standard. The goldsmith’s mark is also there but so tiny I can’t make it out in order to try to get identification, sorry. The weight of the pair is approx 10 grams but that includes the glass lenses in place. The case is a fine antique of value on its own merit, and is, as noted, early aluminum. We have a few other sets of these in 14k, and 1 or 2 in 18k (French), also – Look for those, too, sold separately.