Dating last half of 1700s, this is a superb folding set of sterling silver frame eyeglasses, and still preserved in their original sterling silver mounted shagreen leather etui, case, necessaire. The hallmarks are shown for your research. This type of spectacles have hinged extra-long ear wires which would later in time become the arched ear wires we're more used to. I have a collection of these, and the most elaborate of them are made with the hinged extension as you see in this set. Both lens are intact, in place. I really don't know what magnification they are - not very much but perhaps equivalent to our +1-2 now. The case is fine shagreen - the belly scale leather from stingray. Popular in c.1700s, these old ones denote a very opulent lifestyle of their first owner. Measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. The case and spectacles are 250 years old, give or take a few years. The silver is superb, could stand a careful q-tip polishing again. Hinges enlarged for you, the entire frame is a single creation, no restorations apparent at all. Slender ear pieces hinged as you can see, better to adjust so they would not slide off and yet to fold nicely for the case size, and into a vest pocket. I see 2 flaws to note, which is very little considering age. There is a very tiny flash chip on one lens (visible on photos so you can see it), at frame's border, so not in the view range. The case, elegant old museum piece, has one area of loss at the very top of the case. It might have had a cartouche with monogram at some time which was roughly pulled, taking a little shagreen with it. In most display angles, you'll never notice it, but bears note and is adjusted into our price. RARE!
