Antique Martins Margins In Iron Case 1750
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:4283748 | Age: Pre-1800 |
| Type: Optical | Sub-Type: Spectacles/ Glasses |
| Material: Iron |
An extremely rare pair of 'Martin's Margin' spectacles and Iron Case, made by Benjamin Martin circa 1750. Steel made with horn inserts or 'margins' around the glass lenses. Temple hinges with raised slotted screws. The straight arms with ring ends were to place on Temple generally in excellent condition, no damage and no scratches to the lenses. Note: Hugh Orr, in his 1985 publication "Illustrated History of Early Antique Spectacles" states that Benjamin Martin did not stamp or hall...mark his spectacles. Benjamin Martin, was a London mathematician, instrument and spectacle maker and is credited with making the first eyeglasses that corrected vision in addition to being a reading aid. He published an essay in 1756 in which he explained his theories that the common spectacle then in use was "prejudicial to the eye" because the large lenses allowed too much "light to enter the eye." Martin made his 'visual glasses' which had reduced aperture lenses by way of the thick horn margin and in which the "lens tilted inwards so that the axes of the eye converged on the object of regard." This optical innovation with its extremely distinctive appearance became known as "Martin's Margins".Postage will only be sent Tracked and Insured for safety These are a Special Collection Piece and have a Reserve to reflect this. Please see Photographs for Condition No Time Wasters Please.
