Antique spectacles eyeglasse set was made by American Optical Co, a reputable maker of quality optical products. The eyeglasses are a beautiful addition to any collection and offer a glimpse into the history of science and medicine. The spectacles are in good working order and are sure to impress any collector or enthusiast.

The first set:  The style of glasses in the image are known as pince-nez (French for "pinch nose"). These are a type of rimless or frameless antique eyeglasses that stay on the face by gently clipping onto the bridge of the nose, without earpieces or temple arms. 

Key Characteristics

• Mechanism They feature a spring-loaded bridge connecting the lenses that provides the tension to hold them in place on the nose.

• Style This specific pair appears to be a "spring bridge" or "C-bridge" design, popular from the 1820s to the 1940s. The bridge could be bent in or out to adjust the fit.

Second set: The selected item is a pair of antique wire-rimmed spectacles, also referred to as "Windsor glasses" or "cable temple glasses". The text on the case below indicates they are likely associated with the IIS Spectacle Co. in Chicago.

These glasses were a very popular style from the late 19th century through the 1910s and 1920s.

Key Features

Frame Style: They feature a thin wire frame with a "saddle bridge" that rests directly on the nose.

Temples: The earpieces are the distinctive "riding bow" or "cable temple" style, which are designed to hook securely around the ear to prevent them from falling off during activity, such as horseback riding.

Material: These types of frames were typically made from metals like brass, silver, or were gold-filled.

Third:

Eyeglasses in the Early 20th Century

The wire-rimmed glasses, like those pictured, became very common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were a significant step in the evolution of eyewear, offering a more secure fit than earlier styles. 

Key Characteristics

• Materials: Frames were frequently made from durable metals such as gold, silver, blued steel, or a nickel alloy called "German silver".

• Design: These glasses typically featured round or ovoid (egg-shaped) lenses, which were a popular shape from the turn of the century into the 1920s.

• Temples (Earpieces): A crucial feature for security was the use of "riding bow" or "cable temples." These were thin wires that curved all the way around the ear, ensuring the glasses stayed in place even during movement, such as when riding a horse.

Im not entirely sure the gold of any of the glasses, it would destroy the presentation of the glasses to open the case. They are a part of history, perfect for an optometrist office.