This auction is for a beautiful pair of late 19th century/early 20th century reading glasses made of 10K solid gold and in excellent condition.

The glasses were made or came from the office of Druggist and Postmaster J.H. Wagner of Hudson, Indiana who was born in 1855 and started his druggist business in 1885.  (More on Wagner later)

When I first purchased these glasses I knew nothing about early spectacles and thought they were a child’s pair because of their size.  But after doing some research I found out they are indeed adult glasses and one of the reasons they are smaller than current models is because people were simply smaller back then and had smaller heads.

In addition, I was surprised when I tried them on and they fit.  The gold arms are so flexible they just kind of hug my head.

The glasses are in overall excellent condition with a surprisingly small amount of wear/age.  The lenses are near perfect with no scratches or wear or maybe very, very faint marks I can’t see.  I really don’t see any marks.  Photo #2 shows some background glare on the left lens.  That is not a crack in the lens it is glare from the background.  

I use cheater glasses of -2.50 and so my guess is that these glasses (which I can read with clearly) are somewhere between -2.50 up to maybe -3.0.  The hard case is wrapped in what I believe is leather.  Feels like there is a hard plastic liner under the leather.

The glasses weigh 12.6 grams.  I do not know how to take the lenses out and replace then so this is the best I can do for weight.

The frame from outside hinge to outside hinge is approximately 4.25”.  From outside lens to outside lens the measurement is approximately 3.75”.  

Below is some information I was able to find on John H. Wagner.  I thought it was interesting so I added it to this listing.

This is a beautiful pair of antique glasses that can still be used today.  Fantastic!  Thank you.

I found the following information on John H. Wagner when doing my research:

From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana page 761 

John H. Wagner, druggist and Postmaster, Hudson, Ind., was born in Salem Township in 1855, a son of Jacob Wagner, who came to Steuben County in 1853.  He was reared and educated in his native county, remaining on the farm with his parents till manhood.  He followed agricultural pursuits till January, 1884, when he moved to Hudson.  The following October he bought the drug business of Mr. Zimmerman.  He keeps a full assortment of everything in his line, including drugs, medicines, paints, oils, toilet articles and notions.  He is a genial , courteous young man and a popular tradesman.  He has a constantly increasing trade, and is a valuable addition to the business men of Hudson.  Mr. Wagner married Emma Gillen, daughter of John Gillen, one of the early settlers of DeKalb County.  They have one son -- Ora.

I am happy to answer questions.  

I take pride in my packaging and will make sure the glasses are packaged well for safe delivery.  SHIPPING & PACKAGING IS A FLAT $15.00 IN THE CONTINENTAL USA – that includes shipping, packaging, insurance and SIGNATURE GUARANTEE.  YOU WILL NEED TO SIGN FOR THIS BOX.

You are also welcome to pick up the glasses from my home in far northeast Michigan.