Object Number 1961.1170

Object Name

Spectacles (Eyeglasses)

Category

Metals

Credit Line/Donor

Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont

Creator (Role)

Edward H. Schild (Maker)

Place of Origin

Baltimore, Maryland, United States, North America

Origin Notes

The creation place was previously identified as England [Lorena Baines 2008].

Date

1890-1900

Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label

1. Mark; Left earpiece; "Schild", script

Materials

Brass; Glass

Dimensions (inches)

1.004 (H) , 4.685 (L)

Dimensions (centimeters)

2.55 (H) , 11.9 (L)

Object Description

Web - 12/18/2025

This pair of brass spectacles were made between 1890 and 1900 by watchmaker Edward H. Schild in Baltimore, Maryland. Rounded rectangular green lead glass lenses are set into slender, adjustable frames. The frames have an arched bridge, and the two-part hinged side temple would have allowed the wearer to adjust the overall length of the spectacles. Two patents for the “improvement of eyeglasses” were filed under Schild’s name in the early twentieth century, illustrating his contribution to developing practical eyewear in the United States.

Bibliography and Bibliographic Notes

[Book] Fennimore, Donald L. 1996 Metalwork in Early America: Copper and Its Alloys from the Winterthur Collection.
• Published: cat.245, p.357