Is there any way to disguise modern eyeglasses?

[Selkie]

I'd like to find a way to disguise my modern frames so it doesn't clash so much with my garb. What do you think about the idea of wrapping small beads/twine around it to hide the plastic parts? It could be changed, depending on what I'd wear, but I'd still be able to see where I'm going.

[Valiss]

"Wrap it in leather" has always been the go-to when you need to get something period.  Ha!

[Selkie]

I've heard that, but I was just looking for something fresh to do besides that. That's why I mentioned that idea.

[groomporter]

I'ld leave 'em alone and save my money to invest in something more period looking in the long run.

For a little more historic look, you can often find antique wire-framed glasses for a reasonable price in antique stores, or if there are any historical reenactments that happen near you check them out. I found a pair of 1860's style glasses for $15 at a Fur Trade Rendezvous and when Pearl Vision had a "two-pairs for the cost of one" sale I had them put my prescription in the antique frames as the second pair. The problem is they will only work with antique frames if you understand that you accept all risk if they get broken (-say if a screw is rusted in place and they break them while trying to get it loose.)

The Jas Townsend reenactors' catalog sells 18th and 19th century styled frames for $30.00
http://jas-townsend.com/index.php?cPath=7

I posted this to the old version of the forum and figure this is worth reposting. The excavation of a 16th century ship wreck revealed twenty little wooden boxes were recovered in 1968, each containing a dozen leather-framed spectacles likely made in Nuremburg, Germany. The discovery of 240 sets of glasses in one place would tend to suggest that eyeglasses were more common than people often think
http://www.antiquespectacles.com/topics/discoveries/shipwreck/shipwreck.htm

[Angus]

Are contacts an option?

I know of some websites that have some period frames, (early to mid 1700's to 1800) you could have your prescription filled into those frames.

These frames are a later period than "Renaissance England", but I don't think that many people would notice...

Search here: jas-townsend.com and look under "Eyewear".

Eye Glasses have a long history, however real period Eye Glasses were hand held devices that you held up to your face when you wanted to see something, not something worn on the face. That didn't happen until later, around 1727 by Edward Scarletti...

[Once Debauched]

I would love to be able to wear contacts to faire but, exposing my eyes to certain types of sunlight over a period of time causes migraines.  I did find a seller on ebay that has civil war period tinted glasses.  In the end I figured it was easier to just find a pair of glasses with small lenses and have them colored.  I figure stained glass was available so blue would be my color of choice!

[Valiss]

You know, I would think that thin wire frames might just be acceptable all on thier own as Groomporter said.  I have seen some nobles do that at faire.

[Lady Amy of York]

I have been wearing thin wire frames for years with my noble gowns (  i  can't wear contacts  either )   and no one has ever said  anything to me about them not being historically accurate.  Besides, remember you only get one pair  of eyes.  Wear what ever you are comfortable  in, and  whatever helps  you to see the best.

[isabelladangelo]

Wire frames are perfectly acceptable.  I've seen a few people take that extra step, take the sides off and add ribbon for looping around the ears, but that's about it.  Sunglasses were used in period to "reduce the glare" and not really for the sun.   The colors were normally green from what I've read but I don't see why blue wouldn't have been available either.

There are a few places that do sell "period" frames if you want to go that route.  However, I think a simple pair of wire frames that also work as everyday glasses are the way to go for now.

[Once Debauched]

OOOo!  Green works too!

[SleepyArcher]

google williamsburg marketplace...i beleive they sell the circular metal frames

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

I wear my glasses as they are. I am blind without them, especially the one eye that is working.

If I get harassased, I flick the person off politely.

[groomporter]

Jas Townsend now has video intro to the early eyeglass frames they carry that might be useful to people
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKYGjhj9DfQ

Unfortunately they no longer carry the 1500's style frames they used to sell.

[Sir Sebastian Phoenix]

It is a bit unusual but there is a playton at CRF that disguises his corrective lenses in a leather mask. The only concern there is wearing the mask all day.

It's an option...an unusual, creative, require some crafting/rigging option. It wouldn't work with most garb but I thought I'ld throw it out there.

[Taffy Saltwater]

I have no option but to wear my glasses unless I want a migraine.  Even if I could get contacts w/my prescription, I'd still have to wear sunglasses because I am ALLERGIC to UV rays.  The last time I bought glasses it cost the equivalent of more than two months rent.  I have put off another trip to the optician because I will probably need trifocals.  Although I hate my vision, I'm glad to have what I have of it and that technology has enabled me to forego coke bottle lenses & clip-on shades.

[ferrissteve1]

  I like the leather idea   Right now its contacts, however as my eyes get older I like the idea of wire rimmed antique frames and getting the correct prescription put in. I did that with a pair of frames I bought in Europe this summer.  The shop here did it just right. hmmmm? Now you've got me thinking...

[RumbaRue]

My partner got some of the glasses from Jas Townsend, the ones with the folding earpieces...then he took them to an optomitrist and had his prescription and even small bi-focals done on them, so he can wear them at events. No it wasn't cheap (I think he spent about $300.00 doing it), but in the long run it has worked well for him.

[groomporter]

Just showing off my new 18th C. glasses, inspired by a pair of sunglasses Geo. Washington supposedly had. These have a second set of green lenses that folded out protect your peripheral vision as well as your vision forward. I'm gonna replace the main lenses with my prescription, and if it's sunny I can fold the inner green lenses forward to use them as sunglasses..


I found these for $65 at reenactment event this weekend in Indiana, don't know the vendor's name since I just met him on the street at the event. I've Googled around looking for an online source for these, but the only thing I've found was something in tortoise shell frames supposedly directly based on Washington's glasses, but I can't tell if they have two sets of lenses like the ones I bought
http://www.mountvernon.org/store/shopping/index.cfm/fuseaction/viewitem/pid/575/

[Kate XXXXXX]

How nifty are those!  Good find...

[BLAKDUKE]

I tried one time many years ago with an old pair of glasses that I had, by removing the lenses and gluing them to a mardi-gras type of mask with a plastic daggar screwed to the end.  I would only use them if I needed to see something far away.  That's the only reason I have glasses is just to see with.   However the overall effect was not up to par.  Now with more varied materials to work with and a better idea of how I would use it, maybe I could come up with a better set up. 

[gypsylakat]

You know, if someone made the molded leather masks with lenses in them... they could very well make a small fortune...

[groomporter]

Poo!
The Pearl Vision tech said they couldn't put my prescription in my new 18th C. frames because the current lenses are just flat glass with no curve. A little frustrating since the same store had put my script in a pair of 1860's style frames a few years ago.

They guy I bought them from had his prescription in his pair so I know it can be done the question is will it be someone covered by one of the new vision plans offered by the wife's day job...

[Taffy Saltwater]

Well, poo is about right!  You might want to check w/other optometrists.  Good luck w/the ins coverage thing - you'll need it.

[groomporter]

Yeah there's three different vision care options she's now being offered and all have just a $15 co-pay on new lenses, so I'm shopping around the work to help decide which plan we go for.

[captmarga]

I went out and googled Eyeglass frames.  Found rounds on anypair.com.  Even Wal-Mart had round ones and some hex shapes the last time I was there.  I told the assistant I needed "reenactor" shapes, and they brought out three pairs of frames.  Turns out I can't wear glasses at all due to my script (queasy does NOT begin to describe it) but they did have several choices.

http://www.anypair.com/metals.html

Dig the Windsors...

Also found these:
http://cwsutler.hypermart.net/Glasses.jpg


Even found a couple of round lenses (use keyword Lennon) on ebay - one that would do prescription lenses, too).

Lots of options, just making it work with your insurance and budget.  That's the worst part!

Good luck!

Capt. Marga

[Auryn]

Very cool frames groomporter.
If I were you, I would go back to the same lense place when the guy you spoke with isn't there, and ask someone else.
I have found many times that if you ask 3 different employees the same question, you will often get at least 2 different answers. Especially if you know that they've done it before.

Thats a great idea about the lenses in the leather mask, I hate having to wear my sunglasses or sometimes my vision glasses at faire, totally kills the mood.
I will have to work on one before January, if I come up with anything I will post it.

[captmarga]

I wear my glasses as they are. I am blind without them, especially the one eye that is working.

If I get harassased, I flick the person off politely.

If anyone tells you your glasses are "too modern" or "not period" you can always respond - "Modern, why thank you! I am so glad someone FINALLY noticed my new lenses.  I simply paid a FORTUNE to have them brought over from Italy last month.  Why, that pirate of a captain charged me ....."

Capt Marga

[Prof. John Bull]

The glasses I wear on an everyday basis are a modern replica of a 19th century design.  They have what were then called "riding temples" (a stiff but flexible cable that goes around the ear) which means that they don't fall off or slip down the nose.

Going back earlier than that the frame designs weren't practical for all-day wear, and with a few exceptions were used only for reading, so in most contexts at a fair would not be h/c.