The Optical Vault
A fine selection of antique & vintage eyeglasses, opera glasses, and optical equipment.
Opticians Instruments
Large Anatomical Eyeball Teaching Model by Denoyer-Geppert. American-made in Chicago, IL, circa 1930.
German-made Anatomical Teaching Eyeball made of plaster with glass vitreous humor. Late 19th- early 20th century.
Featured in the Science Museum Group.
The 'Neu-Vita' Eye Masseur, sold as "The Natural Sight Restorer". Early model, circa 1920. With original box. English-made.
Later patent featured in the National Museum of American History.
Opticians Universal Adjustable Trial Frame with Removable Magnifier
Patented June 25, 1896. Primarily used by watchmakers, jewelers, opticians, and the like. Distance between lenses have knob adjustments, and angles can be rotated along the gear mechanism. Lenses are adjustable and interchangeable (pictured with bue & red lenses). Square lenses are a magnifier that can be removed by unhooking from frame. American or British made.
Lorgnette Spectacles
Silver Lorgnette Folding Spectacle's with case. Japanese made. Art Deco, circa 1900.
Tortoiseshell Lorgnette Lady's Folding Glasses. English-made, circa 1930.
Victorian Gold Lorgnette Folding Glasses. English-made, circa 1890.
Collapsing Opera Glasses
A pair of interesting, cased antique collapsing opera glasses (theatre binoculars). Both with original lenses, and superb optics.
1896 Aitchison & Co. London Folding Opera Glasses. Unique, spiral design composed of brass. Patent No. 24883. With original leather case. Irish made.
Expanding Victorian Opera Glasses. English-made, with ornate carved detail between lenses. Collapsing neatly into its embossed, leather shell. Circa 1850.
Antique French Skeleton Glasses
'Skeleton' Glasses are collapsing opera glasses (theatre binoculars) with folding eyepieces and object glasses. Adjustable for distance and magnification.
Black- Early 20th Century French Skeleton glasses by Jumelles Mars. Composed of brass & steel. Focused by knob adjustment. Circa 1900-1930.
Featured in the Science Museum Group.
Silver- Early 19th Century French Skeleton Glasses signed 'Archimede, Depose'. Nickel-plated brass. Focused by lever adjustment.
Gold- Late 19th Century French Opera Glasses by Jumelles Mars. Gold-colored brass model, with lovely patina. Focused by knob adjustment. Circa 1870-1900.
Featured in the Science Museum Group.
Taylor Haus Galleries
Bausch & Lomb Optical Co. Corneal Surface Microscope
