Medieval wooden spectacle frames according to a historical find from the High Middle Ages
This model of medieval eyeglasses is inspired by a historical find from Bergen op Zoom in the Netherlands, dating back to the 14th-15th century.
The medieval spectacles are made of two parts connected by a rivet, which allows them to open to any width and adapt to different head shapes.
Unlike today's spectacles, they were not worn with the legs behind the ears in the Middle Ages. They were either simply pressed onto the nose as a 'pince-nez' or attached behind the ears with straps attached to the frame. There are two small holes on either side of the frame for this purpose.
Medieval spectacles are supplied without lenses. The frames are slit on the underside so that the lenses can be pulled apart slightly and inserted. A small braided rubber band serves as a closing mechanism. Alternatively, a piece of thread can be used, as was common in the Middle Ages.
Each arm of the frames measures 8,5 cm and is suitable for lenses with a diameter of 3,8 cm.
When inserting the lenses, we recommend that the frame of the glasses be stretched very carefully and with minimal force to avoid damaging it.
