EYEWEAR

     Eyewear should be limited in use as much as possible, as eyeglasses were very expensive in mid 19th century America, and were more prevalent among the higher classes. If you must wear eyeglasses, they must be of proper period design. The frames should be either straight or curved wire bows, small oval lenses, and a curved nosepiece. The metal can be iron, brass, plated brass, silver or gold. Glasses with nose tabs are unacceptable, as they are of modern style. Lenses can be of either glass or plastic, and some optometrists will grind down your old lenses to fit the period frames. Cost varies depending on your optometrist and the frames you acquire. Above are the types that should only be used.