Antique pince-nez, optical

Pince nez are a type of eyeglasses that has no arms or temple pieces to hold them in place, but instead are clipped to the nose with a spring mechanism. The name "pince nez" is derived from the French words "pincer" (to pinch) and "nez" (nose).

The pince nez style of glasses were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and were commonly worn by both men and women. They were often made of metal, and came in a variety of shapes and sizes, including round, oval, and rectangular. Some had bridges that rested on the nose, while others had clip-on attachments that held them in place.

They were favoured by many historical figures, including Theodore Roosevelt, Mahatma Gandhi, and Sigmund Freud. They were also popular in literature and film, with characters such as Sherlock Holmes and Colonel Mustard from the board game Clue being depicted wearing more... them.

Pince nez glasses are now mostly worn as a fashion accessory or as a historical costume piece. They are not as practical for everyday use as modern eyeglasses, but they continue to be appreciated for their unique style and historical significance. less...