Pristine Antique Shuron 12K GF Fingerpiece Pince-Nez Glasses & Local History Case Set

“Museum Quality" and "Investment Grade"

"Silent Movie Era Ephemera"

"Steampunk / Edwardian Dandy Fashion"

Up for sale is an incredibly rare, museum-quality piece of early American optical history. This antique "fingerpiece" style pince-nez eyeglass set dates from the 1910s to early 1920s and features phenomenal regional provenance from Downtown Peoria, Illinois. Kept safely inside a desk for the last 15 years following an estate sale find, this set has been stunningly preserved.

✦ OPTICAL CRAFTSMANSHIP & MARKINGS

The Bridge Hallmark: Explicitly stamped lengthwise along the underside curve of the central bridge band with: "1/10 12K SHUR-ON". This verifies the bridge assembly is 12-karat gold-filled metal, mechanically bonded by the iconic Shuron Optical Co. out of Rochester, NY—the absolute gold standard of turn-of-the-century fingerpiece mechanics.

The Frame Construction: The lenses feature delicate, dark brown/black zyl (celluloid) structured rims that hold the perfectly round lenses securely.

The Nose Pads: Features the original textured cork/fabric lining attached to the inner nose guards, intentionally designed to keep the armless spectacles from slipping down the wearer's nose.

✦ RARE LOCAL PEORIA, ILLINOIS PROVENANCE

This set acts as a local time capsule for early 20th-century Downtown Peoria commerce, including two distinct local professional pieces:

1. The Hard-Shell Case: Stamped on the exterior in gorgeous gold-leaf lettering: *"Oscar V. Berry, 214 So. Adams St., Peoria, ILL."* Dr. Berry was a highly regarded local optician and jeweler who established his Peoria practice in 1905.

2. The Original Fabric/Cleaner Insert:

Preserved inside the case is an ultra-rare promotional insert reading:

"Compliments of Dr. A. C. Cochran, Optometrist - 229 So. Adams St. 2nd Floor, Stairway Next Door Princess Theatre, Peoria, Ill."

The historic Princess Theatre was a staple storefront cinema in downtown Peoria's old theater district.

✦ CONDITION REPORT: "LIKE NEW" ANTIQUE STOCK

This set is in astonishing, near-flawless antique condition—appearing as though it was rarely, if ever, worn:

The Gold Mechanical Components: The gold-fill shows ZERO "brassing" or wear-through spots. No green oxidation (verdigris) in the crevices.

The Springs: The minute coil springs, lever handles, and screws are 100% straight and mechanically perfect. The finger loops still squeeze open and snap back smoothly with excellent tension.

The Celluloid Rims: No material dry-rot, cracking, checking, or shrinkage. They maintain a beautiful glassy sheen.

The Lenses: Crystal clear glass lenses with no notable chips or major scratches.

(Please note: Lenses carry a historical prescription and are sold strictly as a collectible artifact).

The Case:** Shows light, honest age wear to the exterior leather texture as expected for being over 100 years old, but the structural hinge snaps shut tightly and holds the glasses perfectly.

Shipping & Handling: Will be packaged with extreme care in a sturdy box with ample bubble wrap to ensure this delicate piece of history arrives at your door safely. Please view all macro photos closely as they represent the exact condition of the item you will receive.

Perfect for serious optical collectors, Illinois state historians, or vintage steampunk styling. Don't miss out on adding this immaculate heirloom to your collection!

ATTENTION COLLECTORS: This is not a typical, worn estate-sale find. This is an investment-grade, museum-quality "New Old Stock" survivor condition set. If you have been looking for an immaculate, flawless example of American optical engineering with ironclad regional provenance, this is your piece.

★★★ WHY THIS PIECE CARRIES A PREMIUM ★★★

1. VAULT-CONDITION GOLD: The 1/10 12K Gold Filled Shuron bridge assembly shows absolutely ZERO brassing, no gold wear-through, and zero verdigris (green crust) in the micro-springs. It looks exactly as it did sitting in Dr. Berry's Peoria display case 110 years ago.

2. ULTRA-RARE EPHEMERA: Includes the exceptionally fragile, pristine paper/cloth insert from Dr. A.C. Cochran, explicitly detailing his office location "Next Door to the Princess Theatre." Paper artifacts from storefront silent-era theaters rarely survive without heavy oil stains or tearing—this one is near-flawless.

3. UNWARPED CELLULOID RIMS: Early zyl/celluloid is notoriously prone to cracking, shrinkage, and dry rot over a century. The dark tortoise/black rims on this pair retain a glassy, mirror-like factory polish.