Antique glasses

Last summer I bought a pair of really really old glasses at an estate sale. I did some research on them and I found they might be military issued safety goggles. My glasses are probably from about 1900 to 1920. They're heavy, all metal, have thick lenses that are not prescription. On the nose piece there's the name brand "Willson" stamped on and each lense has a small "w" on it.

I've been trying to research them but I can't find anything on what they were used for specifically or how much they're worth. No one has been helpful so I decided to turn to you guys here on CO+K.

So does anyone know anything about really old glasses? Like from great-grandparents or anything? Lol

Any help is appreciated!




Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
5 replies since 25th March 2011 • Last reply 25th March 2011

Reply #1:

I suggest calling your local museum and seeing if they have someone on staff who can tell you anything more about your glasses. You'd be surprised how many museums have people on staff or on call who can answer questions about these types of things. If you have a WWI or WWII museum near by, call them- many of their researchers and historians should be able to tell you something.

I don't think they are worth a great deal. I found a similar pair on ebay for sale at $10. And in all honesty, I don't see there being a very big market for them so I suspect that that is around the correct value of them.


They are a nice, well-kept piece though so I hope you enjoy them Happy

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #2:

they look like they may be from the 20-30's. This type of fame was poplualr then

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #3:

and pink weeds is correct, these were mass produced. So they are not worth alot. But are a great find

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #4:

Thanks guys, the two of you have been more helpful than anyone else. I didn't suspect they were worth a whole lot but I thought they were super-cool. I only paid 3$ for them so either way it was a bargain. I actually just called a local museum and the man on the phone said he would look at them and tell me about the history. I don't know about you guys but I love old things like this... They feel like a time machine to me or a link to the past. Everything has a story and I would like to think these have a kick-ass one. hahaha

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #5:

All spectacles, loynettes, pince nez and monicals of the period were made with flat glass lenses and therefore are much heavier than everyday ones now.

I get excited about historical costume too. I have a working pair of pince nez with my prescription. You got a real bargain even if others don't put great value on them you can enjoy them. I think they are great.

Have fun finding out more about them Happy

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam


Reply