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For internal use only
On Display: House - Billiard Room
Spectacles (Eyeglasses)
Henry J. Pepper
1810-1820
Description
A pair of adjustable silver spectacles made by Irish-born silversmith Henry J. Pepper between 1810 and 1820. They have oval-shaped glass lenses surrounded by oval frames and connected by an arched bridge. “HJP” is stamped in a rectangle on the exterior surface of the left temple, near the hinge. In addition to the maker’s marks, “Dr. Didier” is engraved in script on the exterior surface of the right earpiece near the hinge. The owner, Dr. Pierre Didier, was a French-born physician who established via Hati a private practice in Wilmington, Delaware where he befriended E.I. du Pont.
Category
Metals
Creator/Artist/Maker
Henry J. Pepper (Maker)
Place of Origin
Wilmington; Delaware; New Castle; Mid-Atlantic; United States; North America
Materials
- Silver
- Glass
Museum Object Number
1959.2698 A
Credit Line/Donor
Gift of Henry Francis du Pont
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Complete Details
Object Number
1959.2698 A
Object Name
Spectacles (Eyeglasses)
Category
Metals
Creator (Role)
Henry J. Pepper (Maker)
Place of Origin
Wilmington; Delaware; New Castle; Mid-Atlantic; United States; North America
Origin Notes
As per Belden (see Reference tab): Worked in Philadelphia, PA from 1828-1853. (L. Jones, cataloguer, 06/28/2010)
Date
1810-1820
Mark/Signature/Inscription/Label
Type: Mark
Location: Left earpiece, exterior, near hinge
Inscription: "HJP" in rectangle
Type: Inscription
Location: Right earpiece, exterior, near hinge
Inscription: "Dr. Didier" in script
Mark/Signature: Yes
Materials
- Silver
- Glass
Techniques
- Cast
Dimensions (inches)
1.024 (H) x 4.409 (W) x 4.409 (L)
Dimensions (centimeters)
2.6 (H) x 11.2 (W) x 11.2 (L)
Dimensions (oz)
1.0935
Measurement Notes
Weight not included because of lenses. Length of earpiece is 4.5".