The use of eyeglasses in the Netherlands is documented from the second half of the 14th century. The spectacle frame of this period is composed of two parts held together by a small metal rivet. The enlarging lens (reading glass) was made by Italian monks using beryl, a semi-precious mineral. Reading glasses were in use in Italy from the 13th century, either pinched on the nose or hand-held. They were rare and expensive, therefore only rich merchants and clerics could afford them.

For more details, see http://www.antiquespectacles.com.

 

These particular rivet spectacles are an archaeological find from London and dated to the mid 15th century. There consist of two identical halves.

 

dimensions: 72 mm folded

provenance: London (UK)

date: AD 1450