Historical glasses, spectacle cases, and optical oddities and curiosities from the private collection of Dr. Andrew S. Miller, O.D.
Tin Lithograph
Tin lithography, or offset printing, started in the mid 1850s until it died down around 1930. Some eyeglass cases were made from this process, (which is really tin plated steel), as well as some optical devices. These are extremely hard to find, as the tin and the paint tend to degrade rather quickly.
Willson tin spectacle case, c. 1910. They were one of the largest producers of spectacles in the world, founded in 1871.Rare French tin case advertising Competition Goggles, c. WWIFrench-American case designed to hold a dozen sample reading glasses. 2 remain, a 14 and a 20 (the focal length in inches), along with a quick learning guide on how to fit spectacles, c. late 19th century.Souvenir case celebrating the coronation of King Edward VII and Alexandra in 1902. The date on the case says June 26th, but the coronation took place on August 9th as he had to undergo emergency surgery just before the coronation.Large tin of eye drops, India, c. 1960Tin case for 1% Silver nitrate used to prevent ophthalmic gonorrhea in newborn babies, c. 1940.Tin case, late 1800s, manufactured by Somer Brothers, Brooklyn, NY, a leading maker of tin cases from 1869 to 1901.Old Judge cigarette advertising miniature stereoscope.with miniature pictures, circa 1887.Tin lithograph advertising kaleidoscope, from Seabury and Johnson, 1876. Seabury and Johnson dissolved in 1884, and Robert Mead Johnson and his brother went on to start Johnson and Johnson, makers of Acuvue contact lenses!Indian case made in Japan, 1930-1940
3 tin lithograph projectors for postcards or photos. Dated between 1904 and 1912.
