Follow on Bloglovin

Monday, September 12, 2011

The Eyes Have It!

We depend on our eyes more than any of our five senses. So of course much attention is focused on aiding and enhancing our sight. Victorian women were known for sporting long gold chains that were either looped or draped across the front of their gorgeous dresses. Watches, lockets or magnifiers were often suspended from these fabulous chains. This charming gold and mother-of-pearl treasure features a beautiful petit point flower. I can just imagine the well-dressed lady that wore it with such grace.

 
This is a folding lorgnette that can be worn or carried. 

Ladies of the period would not wear glasses but would use the lorgnette or magnifier to see more clearly.

These lovely mother-of-pearl opera glasses would be tucked into a lady’s evening bag and then taken out to use during the performances.

These were just as much decorative as utilitarian.

Now, let’s play I spy. Do you spy two eyes in this picture? These are Georgian lover’s eye pins.

This one has an intricate gold casing. They feature just the eye so they can be worn without disclosing the identity of the secret lover.

This one is encircled by garnets. They were also made into rings as well.

Can you guess this one? It is an old eyewash cup in cobalt blue. You would fill it with water or medicine, place it over the eye with one hand and hold the eye open with the other.

 This type of eyeglass is called a “pince-nez”. They fit tightly on the nose with no handles.

 They, too, fold and fasten with a clasp that can be suspended on a chain.

A pair of early wire framed glasses.

 Notice the small size that speaks to the small stature of people during the past century.

 This stereoscope is the Victorian home theatre. You could purchase scenes of famous sites and enjoy viewing them at home. 

 This view is the Winter Palace of the Czar of Russia.

Let’s end with this man’s pince-nez with attached ear hook, displayed on my favorite eyeglass holder, that also has storage for false teeth. It always makes me smile.

Hugs,

 Patti & Paula


We're linking to the following parties:
Inspire Me Mondays @ Singing Three Little Birds
Pink Hippo Party @ Pinkapotamus
Market Yourself Monday @ Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Mosaic Monday @ Little Red House
Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage
Glitter Link Party @ Running With Glitter
Amaze Me Monday @ Dittle Dattle
Creative Blogger's Party @ Homemaker on a Dime
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Making The World Cuter Monday @ Making The World Cuter
Making Monday Marvelous @ C.R.A.F.T.
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm
Tuesday's Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Twice Owned Party @ Creating a House of Grace
Club G.W. @ Charm Bracelet Diva
Time to Shine @ A Diamond in the Stuff
Anything Goes @ Type A
Tuesday Time Out @ Reasons to Skip the Housework
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Primp Your Stuff Wednesday @ Primp
Wednesday Link Party @ Very Merry Vintage Style
Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours
Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here
Time Travel Thursday @ The Brambleberry Cottage
Thrifty Thursday @ Tales from Bloggeritaville
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage
Thrifty Things Friday @ The Thrifty Groove
Farmhouse Friday @ LaurieAnna's Vintage Home
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Inspiration Friday @ At The Picket Fence
Potpourri Party @ 2805
Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring Decorating
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Oh-la-la Link Party @ Shabby Chic Girls' Club
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
Seasonal Sunday @ The Tablescaper
Sunday Favorites @ Happy to Design
Sister Sunday Link Party @ Sisters of the Wild West

77 comments:

Scrappy Pink Corner said...

Wow, Your collection gets better and better. Love all of your vintage stuff. Where do you find them and where do you store them?
Thanks for sharing.

Kathryn Ferguson Griffin said...

The "eyes" have it! Love them all. You have quite the collection going. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

Grammy Goodwill said...

You always have the most interesting posts. However, I thought those "eye" pins were creepy. hehehe

Ann @ makethebestofthings said...

What gorgeous items you've collected and your display vignettes are beautiful. The information is so interesting and I'm thinking there are many times my tired eyes could use one of those magnifier lenses. Lovely, ladies!

Paula Jo @ Home and Garden Decor said...

You have a great collection and they are all lovely. I love the eye pins, and the last item in your photo's brought a smile to my face. It is so cute.

c. Joy said...

Beautiful blog. Confession time - my inlaws used to have a cobalt blue eye wash (just like yours) and a clear one. I kept looking at them and finally asked my husband what they were. He told me all about eye washes and went on to explain how they were used. I'm so thankful I didn't ask him "What do you drink out of those?" We now have them in our curio cabinet.

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

Wow! Such beautiful things! Those 'eye' pins are a bit on the creepy side if you ask me but the story behind them is great -- I have never heard of these! Love all of the glasses too and I think it's funny that they had the ones they just wore around their neck or folded and brought out only when needed -- vanity runs through all time periods, right? Thanks for such a fun, informative and beautiful post!

Kim, USA said...

Wow these vintage jewelries are awesome. Like your shots too!

Mosaic Monday

Anonymous said...

This is a fabulous post with wonderful photos and info. I have never heard of or seen the eye pins. Fascinating.:)

Pondside said...

Fascinating stuff here! I'd heard of most of the glasses but had never heard of an eye pin - lovely piece of jewelry and a lovely piece of trivia!

romance-of-roses said...

Simply fasinating all of this information. Would you believe that I remember seeing my grandma use an eye wash just like your blue one. Haven't seen one in years. Hugs...Lu

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

OMG, what a beautiful assortment of eye candy! I think my favorite is the mother of pearl opera glasses & the eye pins. I have to go back now and look at your gorgeous pictures again!!!
hugs~~~ Daphne

Jennifer Grenko said...

Lovely! Thanks for sharing your beautiful collection!

Anonymous said...

This was so much fun. The stereoscope takes me back to days of extended family get togethers on the porch. (That was old even way back then!)

Now my eyes are at the point where I need most of these aids.

SImple and Serene Living said...

love your collection. I had never seen eye pins before. so much fun to learn new things.
Laura

Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads said...

I enjoyed reading this post so much. I had no idea about the eye pins. You have an outstanding collection of items that I enjoy viewing through your beautiful photographs.

Unknown said...

fantastic pictures! just love them...

Karen

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hi Patti and Paula,
What beautiful things you've got here, a joy to behold for certain!

Thank you for visiting my blog. Yes, the vintage French pie safe is for purchase in my store... just click on the right hand side of my blog at Lilou's photo.

Lovely, lovely here!
xoxo

Red Rose Alley said...

Wherever did you find theses treasures? The brooches are beautiful. I collect brooches, and someday I may do a post on them. There is so much history behind your pictures. Thank you for sharing that. I love how the ladies use to dress - so elegant.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

Fishtail Cottage said...

I have my great grandmothers eye glasses - i'll have to do a post on those at some point! your collection is fabulous! xoox

Burlap Luxe said...

Thank you Patti for your visit and always leaving a perfect comment!

You never surprise me with all the lovly pieces you share and always inspiring!!

Where do you keep all your beautiful things, your home must be a treasure trove of beauty :)

xx
See you soon !
Cheers
~Dore

Debbiedoos said...

I sure love these charming vignettes, really different too! The last guy made me smile. Have a great day.

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi ladies...

What an interesting and fabulous post, my friends!!! I loved looking through all of the different "eye apparrel" of the day! My favorite...the mother of pearl with the petit needlepoint flower magnifying glass. What a gorgeous piece! I know that I would be ecstatic to be able to wear such a lovely piece! Thank you so much for sharing your lovely collection with us...AWESOME!!!

Warmest wishes,
Chari

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

I love all your vintage things, what treasures. I didn't know what I was looking at all these many years were called lorgenette. Love the eye pins, have never seen any of them... great post.. hugs ~lynne~

Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques said...

Oh my goodness you have found some lovelies here! I really enjoyed all of your vignettes and learned some interesting terms as well! Thanks for sharing and thank you for stopping by my blog!

Debbie said...

This was so interesting. I've often read those vocab words in books, and it was so nice to match what is in my head to a concrete item. These are really treasures. This is such a great blog!

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

What beautiful treasures you have and the history behind them is so interesting. Your pictures are gorgeous!!

Unknown said...

I really enjoyed this post. Beautiful photos, a fantastic collection, and I learned a lot just by reading it! So glad I found your blog...
Cheryl at My Sister's Cottage

Ellen said...

Wowzers, that is one grand collection. I enjoyed reading your post and looking at all the wonderful pics. Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Ellen

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi Ladies, You always show the most amazing collections and this one is no exception. Everything is beautifully displayed! Thank you so much for linking to the Open House party this week.
Hugs,
Sherry

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

I love your collection of wonderful old glasses and the history. thanks for sharing at Wow.

Unknown said...

wow1 really nice1 Thanks for sharing.Stop in and vist!

lvroftiques said...

Oh you two know how much I love and am inspired by your collections! Before y'all I never even owned a lorgnette now I'm the proud owner of two! *winks* I also collect the stereo viewers and french opera binoculars which can't come as any surprise because I think we're twin collectors *winks* So beautifully presented my friends! And that glasses display with room for false teeth is fab!! Vanna

Cindy Adkins said...

Wow - I loved this! What an interesting collection. Not only do I love seeing the photos of all these gorgeous items, but I learned a thing or two, also! Thanks!

very merry vintage style said...

Your display looks beautiful! Thanks for linking up to Share the Love Wednesday!
Mary

Anonymous said...

I spy lots of beautiful vignettes and goodies! I have one of those stereoscopes- people love looking at the pictures with it when them come to the house

bee blessed
mary

Pamela said...

Yes, I do like! Loving all the eye candy this week ladies! I am trying to hunt down some old glasses so those caught my eye! Thanx for coming over to party at THT!

Tami said...

Wonderful collection, very beautiful!

Blessings,
Tami

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

You have the coolest stuff. Love peering into your world.

Frøken Anker said...

Thank you for your comment on my blog.
You show so many beautiful things. It is a pure goldmine. I like that you tell a little story about things. Pure nostalgia.

Have a lovely autumn day

Rebecca said...

Eye just love it!!!!! What a wonderful post-I loved hearing about the history and I haven't seen many of these things so it was very interesting. Loved the eye rings and broches!

Janet said...

What a wonderful and beautifully displayed collection! Thanks for sharing! I have an antique stereoscope, too!
Blessings,
Janet

Richard Cottrell said...

What a neat collection, who'd a thought. Thanks for sharing, Richard from My Old Historic House.

Curtains in My Tree said...

I loved this post are you selling any of these treasures ?

I liked the eye pins was there pictures back side of the eye?

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

You have the most fabulous collections ladies! I'm quite drawn to the ornate,feminine treasures of the 1800 & 1900s. I often wonder what it must have been like to have lived during such a genteel time in history. ;)

Thanks for linking to Time Travel Thursday again this week. I'm eager to see what you'll share each time.

Blessings,
Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

Diana said...

How fun to see all of the antique eye wear. You have such an impressive collection which really does tell a story of years gone by. Thanks for sharing.
Tootles
Diana

Susan said...

Awesome finds!

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady.
I love your collection of Vintage Treasures sweet lady!!! So BEAUTIFUL I love your eye pins, all your photos are lovely.
Im your newest follower on your blog now. I hope you can come see my post's. I also hope you have a great week with your family.
XXOO Diane

Dreamgoddess said...

What a fantastic collection you have! I remember my grandparents having one of the eyewash cups. I haven't seen one of those in years!

Heather Jacob said...

wow what an amazing collection and also fascinating info and history you have shared with us ... thanks so much I really enjoyed the journey .. I'll be back for more ... hugz x

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

WOW! You have so many beautiful treasures. I love them all. I adore the Victorian Period.

Dee

Cindy Adkins said...

WOW, your collection is truly amazing AND breathtaking!!! Thank you so much for linking up to the Ohh-la-la Link Party!!! I love everything--and it is so interesting about the eye brooches...wow!! and your photos are beyond exquisite.
XO
Cindy

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady.
Thanks so much for being my newest follower on my Tablescapes so sweet of you.
XXOO Diane

Barb said...

Just wonderful. What a lovely post...I totally enjoyed it.

Barb ♥

Rebecca said...

This was so interesting and very cool. Love your beautiful collection. I can relate to the taking care of the eyes this week!
Blessings and have a great weekend
Rebecca

Honey at 2805 said...

Wow, you have another terrific collection. This is such an interesting post, and so informative! Everythign is so beautifully arranged and the photography is supurb. I certainly learned a lot. It was a history lesson and I enjoy History!

Thank you for linking to Potpourri Friday. You are and asset to the party's success and I appreciate you!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

WOW! We like so many of the same things! I have an old eyewash cup that's pink! You really surround yourself with beauty! ♥

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi Gals, what a wealth of knowledge this is. I've never seen the eye brooches. this is a new one for me. You have an amazing collection, thanks so much for sharing this on VIF, xoxo

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

What a beautiful post...loving the opera glasses...I have a pair too!

KimMalk said...

How interesting and lovely your collection is. I especially like those eye pins, very mysterious.

Jihane @ Sinful Sundays said...

Wow, those are some gorgeous pieces! I love the information you provided about them too---everything has a story. :)

The Vintage Chateau said...

What a fabulous collection and all so beautifully displayed! Thank you for sharing and teaching me something new.
Karee

The French Hutch said...

You have a great collection and very beautiful. Thanks for sharing your beauties and the history lesson.
Have a great evening.

~Emily
The French Hutch

Lynn said...

Love the beautiful Mother of Pearl opera glasses, very pretty:@)

Marigene said...

What a wonderful collection of eye-catching pieces!

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Hello Ladies! I just saw your post over on The Tablescaper and had to pay you a visit! Your vignettes are truly exquisite! I loved each and every one. I am a new blogger and follower to your site. I hope you'll follow me back! Many blessings!

Babs said...

What a fascinating post! I'm familiar with the eye wear but not the eye miniatures. They're so pretty and intriguing. Thanks for showing your beautiful treasures and visiting my blog with such nice comments.

for the love of a house said...

Wonderful post and such a beautiful collection of antique and vintage treasures!
Thank you for your comment- It's lovely to meet you! You are both so pretty!!

joan

VintageGramma said...

I always learn something from your posts. What makes your blog great is that you give background on your collections. Choppers and Specs, too cute-and unique.

Karena said...

Such a fascinating grouping!! I love it all! The eye pins amazing!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Come and join my Giveaway from Interieurs!

The Tablescaper said...

Such amazing things. You have an awesome collection. Great to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays.

- The Tablescaper

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello...

I just loved this sweet post, my friends! So glad that you decided to share it with us for the Sunday Favorites party this week! Oooh...I'm still oogling over that gorgeous petit embroidered pendant in the first photo! Hehe! I hope that you are having a marvelous week so far!

Warmest wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

Diann said...

Girls, you have the coolest stuff! LOL I love it all! The mother of pearl opera glasses is gorgeous. As is all these treaures. My GREAT Grandmother (who was one independent lady in the early 1900's) had a bob (i can't remember the official name of these things) that she always had clipped to her dress/skirt that had multi-functional items hanging off it. A small pair of scissors, key, watch, nail file, etc. and one of the items was a magnifier. It was eventually passed down to me. I love this little piece of history. And you know what,these things were very handy! thank you again for joining TTF. I always look forward to see what you have to share!

The Charm of Home said...

You ladies have the most wonderful collections! We used to have the eyewash cup. It was really handy. Thank you for linking up to Home Sweet Home!
Sherry

Gayle Page-Robak said...

I am loving everything I see...such beautiful art pieces...so gorgeous. Hugs,Gayle.

2amscrapper said...

Stopping by from Cindy's Oh La La Link Party. What a delightful collection!

Kitchen Benchtops said...

This is an absolutely stunning collection of gorgeous vintage items!

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Ivy and Elephants
Gratitude is the Memory of the Heart ~ French Proverb ~ We are so grateful that you stopped by ~ Please visit again soon! ~ Much Love, Patricia and Paula