Windsor Eyeglass Spectacles Windsor type frames enjoyed huge popularity for about 50 years, from their introduction in 1880 to about 1925.

The original Windsors were characterized by a completely round lens area or 'eyewire', and a contoured 'saddle' bridge without nose pads.

Two developments in eyewear had profound efffects on the Windsor - the invention of spring-steel cable temples in 1880, which made the classic Windsor possible, and the invention of nosepads around 1921, which rendered the classic Windsor design obsolete.

Toward the end of their reign, plastic tortoise shell frames in the Windsor style appeared. Many of these tended to be a little larger than their earlier metal counterparts. Metal Windsors came in a variety of treatments and materials, and from a number of different companies. There were 8k,10k, 12k, and 14k solid gold, sterling silver, coin silver, steel and aluminum. There were also many levels of plating and gold fill. The most common frames were 1/10 12k gold fill. These frames came 'plain' or with fancy engraving, filagree, beading and etching.

Some frames were all or partly covered in zylonite, an early plastic made from cellulose acetate. Zylonite, or zyl as it is commonly called is a natural plastic made from plant fiber - no oil involved. The best zyl is made from cotton. Common colors are black, tortoise shell (demi-amber) and light tortoise (demi-blonde). There were many other less common colors too, mostly in reds and browns.

The major players making this type of eyewear were American Optical, Bausch & Lomb, and Shur-On Optical in the U.S. There were numerous smaller domestic manufacturers and a substantial number overseas. American Optical had a frame actually called 'Windsor'. It was tremendously popular, and many examples have survived well.

As the world recovered from war and found new affluence, many Windsors appeared with ornate scrollwork, stamping, and engraving. Windsors have been worn by many famous people. Even though their popularity dropped dramatically in the early 20th century, the style has persisted. It returned to vogue in the 1960's as an affectation of the hippie movement, personified by John Lennon.

Today, the same style is sought by Harry Potter fans. Other historic figures who have worn Windsor spectacle frames include Ernest Hemingway, Groucho Marx, Theodore Roosevelt and Mahatma Gandhi. In the modern day, they have been worn by William Hurt, David Letterman and Whoppie Goldberg to name just a few. We frequently restore Windsor type frames. We have original screws, replacement temples, and replacement zyl eyewire trim for these venerable old frames.