EARLYSPECS

6 recommendations and reviews from 6 people

• Referral from August 8, 2014
  

  Mark L. asked:

  Can anyone suggest some good sources for period eyewear frames? I've considered Townsend and Earlyspecs.

  

  Mark L. replied:

  Www.earlyspecs.com seem to have the correct features.

  

  David S. replied:

  okay, my unit has a new member. She can't go without glasses, and can't wear contacts. I apologize for not being able to fully digest the entire thread, but I take it the only real correct purveyor is Earlyspecs (or buy some originals). Is that a fair takeaway? Thanks!

  

  Sharon B. replied:

  The Eye Center of Concord (NH) put new lenses into original frames for me. Ask for Gary. AFAIK spectacles with sliding temples are c. 1820+. We need the hinged sides, and that's $45 for them *added on* to the earlyspecs base price of $285. It's a tough moral choice to buy good repro's when originals are actually cheaper.

  

  Steve R. replied:

  Regarding "Earlyspecs", my friend (who has researched 18 th century spectacles) feels that a reenactor could get an original period pair (using examples as shown in the 18 thCMCRC presentation as reference) for about the same cost. We do see them at dealers, and on Ebay now and then. My thoughts on this are as follows: Yes, although I have used original 18 th century items, when there were no reproductions, I hesitate to do so in recent years due to the risk of damaging a piece of history. I enjoy researching and collecting antiques as an extension of the hobby. But not everyone by any means can, or is even able to undertake the lengthy and painstaking task of researching so many basic articles we need to do this thing we do *honestly*; with respect for the people we represent in the name and cause of educating the people of today. Certainly newcomers to the hobby who need specs are the least likely to be able to do so. Some things needed for the hobby could and should be "no-brainers". Finding documented correct eyewear (and many other articles) at a reasonable price, for people who are making that important initial investment should be easy after all these decades. But it continues to be hard due to there being so few retailers with integrity behind what they sell.

  

  Bob A. replied:

  now you're talking, Mark. Can someone weigh in on the Earlyspecs items?

  

  David T. replied:

  So MARK - seemed like a simple question that drifted - not sure I saw an answer - Townsend and Earlyspecs...Historic eyewear seems to be out of period. Eyeglass warehouse has originals - not inexpensive, but no one could question them.

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