Pince-nez Mountings

Pince-nez Mountings

Pince-nez mountings are a type of eyeglass frame that is designed to be held in place by pinching the bridge of the nose. The term pince-nez is derived from the French words pincer (to pinch) and nez (nose), and these frames have been in use since the 19th century. Pince-nez mountings consist of two lenses that are held together by a bridge that rests on the nose. Unlike traditional eyeglasses, pince-nez frames do not have arms that wrap around the ears. Pince-nez mountings were popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and were commonly worn by both men and women. They were often associated with intellectuals and professionals, and were considered a symbol of intelligence and sophistication. Pince-nez frames were also popular among the elderly, as they were less likely to slip down the nose than traditional eyeglasses. There are two main types of pince-nez mountings: the C-bridge and the hard bridge. The C-bridge pince-nez has a flexible bridge that can be adjusted to fit the wearer's nose, while the hard bridge pince-nez has a rigid bridge that is fixed in place. Both types of pince-nez frames can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and horn. Today, pince-nez mountings are less common than traditional eyeglasses, but they are still used by some individuals who prefer their unique style and functionality. They are also popular among collectors of vintage eyewear.

eyeglass frame, bridge, nose, C-bridge, hard bridge

— Andrew Hill