Skip to main content
Gift of Mrs. Bernard Schiro, 1986.213.7a,b  © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.
Pince-nez and Eyeglass Case
Gift of Mrs. Bernard Schiro, 1986.213.7a,b © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.

Pince-nez and Eyeglass Case

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Beatrice Fox American, 1887 - 1968
RetailerSold by Tiffany & Company American, founded 1837
MakerPince-nez madde by Harvey & Lewis American, founded 1890
Date1903-1940
Medium(.a): ground glass lenses, 12 karat gold. (.b): metal case covered with lizzard skin lined with velvet and trimmed with 14 karat gold.
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width x depth): 4 3/8 x 1 7/8 x 7/8in. (11.1 x 4.8 x 2.2cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Bernard Schiro
DescriptionRimless pince-nez (.a) with a gold bridge and assymetrical (almost circular), clear lenses. The bridge has plastic nose pads made to look like tortoise shell.

Hard-sided eyeglass case (.b) covered in black lizard skin with a spring closure. The case is edged with 14-karat gold trim. The case is lined with black velvet.
Object number1986.213.7a,b
MarkingsThe outside of each nosepad on the bridge of the pince-nez (.a) is marked, "PAT. AUG. 25 / & OCT. 20 '03/ H. & L."

The inside of the bridge (.a) is marked, "AO 1/10-12K G F."

The interior of the edging of the case (.b) is marked, "TIFFANY & CO. 14K X 453".
InscribedThe metal edging on the interior of the lid of the case (.a) is engraved, "B.F.A"

The metal edging on the exterior of the lid of the case (.a) is engraved, "1040 PROSPECT AVE. HARTFORD CONN."
NotesDate Note: The pince-nez is marked on both nosepieces with the patent dates, August 25, 1903 and October 20, 1903. (Blakelock, 11/19/2008)
Subject Terms
    Collections
    • G. Fox & Co.
    On View
    Not on view
    Gift of Mrs. Bernard Schiro, 1986.213.6ab  © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.
    Beatrice Fox
    1900-1940
    Gift of Mrs. Bernard Schiro, 1986.213.5a,b  © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.
    Beatrice Fox
    about 1920-1940
    Gift of Mrs. Richard Koopman and Mrs. Bernard Schiro, 1980.87.21  © 2009 The Connecticut Histor…
    Lewis Fox family
    about 1915-1935
    Case open, with pince nez and lens wiping cloth inside.
    G. Fox and Co.
    mid 20th century
    Case open, with pince nez and lens wiping cloth inside.
    G. Fox and Co.
    early 20th century
    Pince nez.
    G. Fox and Co.
    early 20th century
    Pencil in Original Case
    Beatrice Fox
    1948-1967
    Gift of Mrs. Richard Koopman, 1986.214.8a,b  © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.
    Beatrice Fox
    1940-1955
    Comb
    Beatrice Fox
    before 1904 - before 1915
    Gift of Mrs. Richard Koopman, 1986.214.4.1-4  Photograph by Gavin Ashworth.  © 2009 The Connect…
    Beatrice Fox
    1930-1960