Revolutionary War Spectacles in their original case

Being offered is a rare, cased pair of Revolutionary War spectacles. They have a brass folding frame and are enclosed is a hand-woven padded tin case. 18^th century spectacles were predominantly crafted with lightweight metal, steel, brass, or coin silver frames featuring round lenses and side temples (such as sliding or double-hinged folding designs) rather than modern ear-hooks.

I show spectacles which belonged to George Washington.  During his Newburgh Address, he famously paused and pulled these spectacles from his pocket, commenting, “Gentleman, you must pardon me, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in service to my country.”

Another historic pair shown belonged to Patrick Henry. When he intended a brief answer, he left his glasses on his nose; if he pushed them up onto the top of his head or wig, it signaled a fierce argument or "a declaration of war" to his opponents.

During the Revolutionary War, although most soldiers were young men, there were still many who needed glasses, especially when reading with the lack of light in camps. There are examples of these eyeglasses in “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution” (see pictures).

The 5” x 2” case has one crude hinge in the center, and it opens and closes with no problems. There are no cracks on the lenses and overall the brass frame is solid. It would be very difficult to find another pair of these spectacles in this condition, and with its original case. Definitely a great addition to any museum.

With the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding this year, interest in the Revolutionary War and its relics are significantly increasing. This renewed enthusiasm is driving the demand for virtually all Revolutionary War artifacts, further contributing to their scarcity and rising prices.