Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers of St. Louis, MO, will host the Spectacles & Other Vision Aids auction on March 15, 2024. This event showcases nearly 150 unique lots, offering a deep dive into the evolution of eyewear and optical accessories from the 18th to the 20th century. The collection comes from Dr. J. William Rosenthal, an esteemed ophthalmologist, historian, and author of Spectacles and Other Vision Aids: A History and Guide to Collecting.

Among the standout items is Lot #0007, a set of four early 19th-century Chinese tortoiseshell spectacles, estimated at $500 to $1,000. These intricately designed glasses feature ornate bridges, folding temples, and circular temple tips. Tortoiseshell, prized for its luxurious appeal, was widely used for high-end eyewear until its trade was prohibited in 1973.

Lot #0076 highlights Martin Margin spectacles from 1750, a rare example of early optical craftsmanship. These English glasses, with round steel frames inlaid with tortoiseshell and a flat leather case, are estimated at $200 to $500. Benjamin Martin, the creator, revolutionized eyewear design with his "margin" spectacles, which reduced glare and enhanced vision.

The auction also features a Napoleonic lorgnette by Lacloche (Lot #0106), valued at $200 to $500. This elegant piece showcases gold-colored rims, a white enameled handle adorned with jewels, and impeccable craftsmanship. Lorgnettes, popular in the 19th century, were both practical and fashionable accessories often associated with high society.

Lot #0134 offers a trio of 18th and 19th-century ceramic eye baths, estimated at $200 to $500. These delicate items, including cobalt blue and gold-accented examples, reflect historical approaches to eye care before the advent of modern eye drops.

Fine art enthusiasts will appreciate Lot #0147, Vessels of the Eye by American artist Paul Norman Peck, estimated at $300 to $600. This mixed-media piece intricately depicts the human eye's anatomy, bridging science and art.

The Selkirk Auction will also feature various other eye-related items, including monoculars, opera glasses, quizzers, and cases. This sale offers collectors and history enthusiasts a rare opportunity to own a piece of optical history. For more details, visit Selkirk Auctioneers’ website or check Auction Daily’s event calendar.