Temple spectacles
The spectacles that gained arms pressing against the temples and stayed in place without being held.
In the 18th century opticians in London began selling spectacles with arms that pressed against the temples. The optician Edward Scarlett advertised such spectacles in the 1720s.
Later the arms became longer and were bent round the ears. With arms, spectacles could be worn all day, and they became an everyday object for many.
Materials: Steel, silver or brass, glass
Manufacture: Made by opticians and instrument makers in London and Paris from the early 18th century.
The straight arms ending in rings and resting against the temples.
The small round lenses in a thin metal frame.
The C-shaped bridge over the nose.