Skip to main content
Monocle and Case
Monocle and Case

Monocle and Case

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Joseph I. Cantarow Russian, 1873 - 1948
Date1900-1920
MediumMonocle (.a): Clear glass lens and yellow metal, on a black fabric cord. Case: Faux alligator skin, green velvet, and a metal snap.
DimensionsComponent (height x width x depth of monocle): 2 1/2 x 1 3/4 x 7/16in. (6.4 x 4.4 x 1.1cm)
Component (height x diameter of case): 7/8 x 2 1/8in. (2.2 x 5.4cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Frieda B. Cantarow
DescriptionMonacle and fitted case. The monocle (.a) is made of clear glass in a yellow metal frame. The underside of the frame has an extra piece of wire on both the left and right side, to form supports to rest the monocle against the wearer's face. The top of the monocle has a small metal loop attached with a small screw; a black fabric cord is attached to the loop, so the monocle can hang around from the neck when not being worn.

The circular case (.b) is made of a single piece of black faux alligator skin. The top and bottom were cut almost in two, leaving only a narrow piece at the back of the case that serves as the hinge for opening. A second piece of faux alligator skin is stitched to the underside of the bottom of the case; it extends up over the opening, and attaches with a snap to the accompanying snap affixed to the front of the top of the case. Printed in gold lettering on the top of the case is, "Ph. Katz, Optik/ Karlsbad/ Sanssoucl". The interior of the case is lined with dark green velvet.
Object number2001.132.1a,b
MarkingsThe top of the case is printed in gold lettering, "Ph. Katz, Optik/ Karlsbad/ Sanssoucl".NotesOwner Note: The Hartford City Directory of 1904 lists a Joseph I. Cantarow as a druggist at 110 1/2 Trumbull Street, and living at 127 Trumbull Street.
Subject Terms
    On View
    Not on view
    The Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund, 1996.95.5b-c, Connecticut Museum of Culture and History c…
    General Electric
    c. 1960
    Gift of Mrs. Bernard Schiro, 1986.213.7a,b  © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.
    Beatrice Fox
    1903-1940
    Bottle Case
    Unknown
    1780-1820
    Gift of Mrs. Richard Koopman, 1986.214.9  © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.
    Beatrice Fox
    1940-1965
    Woman's Shoes
    Maude Jeannette Purvis
    about 1970
    Gift of Richard T. Steele and Robert Savage, 1958.66.0  © 2004 The Connecticut Historical Socie…
    Benjamin Newberry
    1800-1810
    In memory of Elizabeth Noble Anderson, 1971.35.3  Photograph by David Stansbury.  © 2010 The Co…
    Eliphalet Chapin
    probably made in 1783
    Gift of Frederick K. and Margaret R. Barbour, 1964.11  © 2004 The Connecticut Historical Societ…
    Unknown
    1785-1795
    Bequest of Reverend Thomas Robbins, 1856.1.7  Photograph by Helga Studio, © 2012 The Connecticu…
    Aaron Chapin
    1809
    Gift of Helen Elizabeth Royce by exchange, 1984.102.0 Photograph by Gavin Ashworth.   © 2005 Th…
    Ebenezer Hubbell
    1760-1780