The Optical Vault
A fine selection of antique & vintage eyeglasses, opera glasses, and optical equipment.
19th Century Collapsing Victorian Opera Glasses
A pair of interesting Victorian encased, collapsing/expanding opera glasses, theatre binoculars. Both with original lenses, and superb optics. See below for further detail.
Dated 1896
Aitchison & Co. Folding Opera Glasses
19th Century Aitchison & Co. London Folding Opera Glasses. Unique, spiral design composed of brass. Patent No. 24883. With original leather case. Irish made.
Circa 1850
Victorian Collapsing Opera Glasses
Interesting Mid-19th Century Collapsing Opera Glasses (theatre binoculars). English-made; with ornate carved detail between lenses. Collapsing neatly into its embossed, leather shell. Circa 1850.
Antique French Skeleton Spectacles
Showcasing 19th-20th Century French-made 'Skeleton' Glasses; Collapsing opera glasses (theatre binoculars) with folding eyepieces and object glasses. Adjustable for distance and magnification.
Circa 1900-1930
Jumelles Mars Skeleton Spectacles
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.
Circa 1840
Early 19th Century Skeleton Spectacles
French Skeleton Glasses signed 'Archimede, Depose'. Nickel-plated brass. Focused by lever adjustment. Original piece, superb optics. Circa 1840.
Circa 1870-1900
Jumelles Mars Skeleton Spectacles
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.
Opticians Instruments
Highlighting a range of late 19th to early 20th century Optometry instruments; a rare 1896 Universal Trial Frame & Magnifier, a 1930's Denoyer-Gepper educational model, an Antique German anatomical model, and a Boxed 'Neu-Vita' Eye Masseur, or "The Natural Sight Restorer".
PATENT 1896
Opticians Universal Adjustable Trial Frame with Removable Magnifier
Primarily used by watchmakers, jewelers, opticians, and the like. m. Lenses are adjustable and interchangeable (pictured with bue & red lenses). American or British made. Patented June 25, 1896.
Circa 1890-1901
German Anatomical Teaching Eyeball
German-made Anatomical Teaching Eyeball made of plaster with glass vitreous humor. Late 19th- early 20th century.
Featured in the Science Museum Group.
Circa 1920
'Neu-Vita' Eye Masseur
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.
Circa 1930
Anatomical Model by Denoyer-Geppert
Large Anatomical Eyeball Teaching Model by Denoyer-Geppert. American-made in Chicago, IL, early 20th century.
An interesting & deconstructing model of the eyeball's inner workings.
Lorgnette Folding Spectacles
Highlighted are a Gold English Victorian Lorgnette (c.1890), a Silver Japanese Art Deco Lorgnette (c.1900), & an English Tortoiseshell Lorgnette (c.1930)
Circa 1900
Japanese Art Deco Lorgnette's
Fine Silver Lorgnette Folding Spectacle's with case. Japanese made. Art Deco, circa 1900.
Circa 1890
Gold Victorian Lorgnette's
Victorian Gold Lorgnette Folding Glasses. English-made, circa 1890. With ornate case.
Taylor Haus Galleries
Bausch & Lomb Optical Co. Corneal Surface Microscope
