Sunglasses In 19Th-Century Austria: Were They A Thing?

Sunglasses have been around for centuries, but they were not always the fashionable accessory we know today. In the 19th century, sunglasses were used primarily for practical purposes, offering protection from harsh sunlight and glare. While they were available in Austria during this period, they were not as prevalent or trendy as they are now. So, what was the story of sunglasses in 19th-century Austria? Let's find out.

Did sunglasses have UV protection?

While sunglasses in the 19th century did offer protection from the sun's glare, they did not offer UV protection. The harmful effects of UV rays were not yet understood at that time.

The earliest sunglasses were made from flat panes of smoky quartz and used in China in the 12th century or possibly earlier. In the 13th century, the Inuit wore snow goggles made from flattened walrus or caribou ivory to protect their eyes from harmful reflected rays.

By the 18th century, tinted, mirror-like framed Murano glasses were used as "gondola glasses" by Venetian women and children to shield their eyes from the glare of the water in the canals.

In the 19th century, sunglasses were worn by individuals with specific needs, such as those suffering from eye conditions or those exposed to constant sunlight. The lenses were typically round or oval-shaped and made from tinted glass or polished quartz. The frames were usually metal and held in place with ribbon or silk cords.

It wasn't until the early 20th century that sunglasses with UV protection became more commonly available, and even then, they were not widely accessible. Jean-Marie-Théodore Fieuzal was the first to argue for UV protection with shaded glasses in the 1830s, and by 1899, Rodenstock GmbH produced possibly the first pair of sunglasses intended for UV protection.

What were sunglasses made from?

The first sunglasses were made from flat panes of smoky quartz, and were used in China in the 12th century or possibly earlier. In the 19th century, sunglasses were primarily made using materials such as metal, horn, and leather. Metal frames, usually made of steel or brass, were popular due to their durability and flexibility. Horn frames, sourced from animal horns such as buffalo or cow, were also common and known for their strength and natural patterns.

Leather was sometimes used for the frame covering, providing a comfortable fit and an aesthetic element. The lenses were often made of glass or mineral glass. These lenses were tinted to reduce glare, but did not offer the same level of UV protection as modern sunglasses.

Sunglasses in the 19th century were more basic in terms of design and functionality compared to today's standards. They were designed to reduce the intensity of the sun's rays or exposure to them.

Were sunglasses fashionable?

In the 19th century, sunglasses were not yet a fashionable accessory. Instead, they were primarily used for health reasons and sunlight reduction, often by people with sensitive eyes or those suffering from certain eye conditions. The first references to the term "sunglasses" were found in American newspapers in the mid-19th century, and they were often associated with old age or illness.

However, as the century progressed, sunglasses gradually gained popularity as a fashionable accessory. Celebrities and socialites started wearing them, which led to an increased demand for stylish designs. This shift contributed to the emergence of new sunglass styles, shapes, and colours. The manufacturing process also evolved, with frames made of metal, horn, or wood, featuring intricate designs and ornate embellishments.

By the 1850s, the use of tinted glasses had become more widespread. Coquille oval glasses with coloured lenses became popular with both men and women and were imported in large quantities from abroad. During the Civil War, soldiers commonly wore Coquilles to protect their eyes while marching.

While sunglasses in 19th-century Austria were likely more functional than fashionable, the increasing popularity of sunglasses as a fashion accessory towards the end of the century laid the foundation for their continued evolution and the emergence of well-known brands in the following decades.

Who wore sunglasses?

Sunglasses in the 19th century were worn for a variety of reasons, and by a variety of people. While they were not yet a fashionable accessory, they were worn by those who needed protection from the sun's glare and harsh rays, especially those with eye conditions or constant sun exposure.

The first references to the term "sunglasses" were found in American newspapers in the mid-19th century. Advertisements from vendors like W.H. Cary & Co, E. Samsom, and W. W. Wesser & Co promoted sunglasses in the 1840s.

During this time, sunglasses were worn by individuals with specific needs. For example, they were commonly used by those suffering from eye conditions that caused light sensitivity, such as syphilis patients. Tinted glasses helped to dull sunlight, and the bridge of the glasses provided a convenient place to attach a metal nose, which was another symptom of the disease.

Elderly people, blind individuals, or those with visual impairments also frequently wore glasses with coloured lenses to reduce discomfort. Some doctors even suggested that different coloured lenses could have health benefits for the wearer.

By the 1850s, the use of tinted glasses had become more widespread. Coquille oval glasses with coloured lenses became popular with both men and women and were imported in bulk. During the Civil War, soldiers commonly wore Coquilles to protect their eyes while marching.

Sunglasses were also worn by individuals participating in outdoor activities. Men and women who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and horseback riding wore sunglasses to shield their eyes from the sun.

While not yet a fashion statement, the emergence of sunglasses in the 19th century laid the foundation for their popularity in the following century.

Why did people wear sunglasses?

Sunglasses have been around in some form for centuries, but they were not always a fashionable accessory. In the 19th century, people wore sunglasses for a variety of reasons, and they looked quite different from the sunglasses we know today. So, why did people in the 19th century wear sunglasses?

Health and Sunlight Reduction

The primary reason people wore sunglasses in the 19th century was for health reasons and to reduce exposure to sunlight. Sunglasses with tinted lenses were often prescribed to patients with light sensitivity, a symptom of syphilis. Tinted glasses helped to dull sunlight, and the bridge of the glasses provided a convenient place to attach a metal nose, which was another symptom of the disease. The elderly, blind individuals, or those with visual impairments also frequently wore tinted glasses in the 1800s to reduce discomfort.

Protection from Glare

During this time, sunglasses also became popular for individuals participating in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and horseback riding. The dark-tinted lenses protected their eyes from harsh sunlight and glare.

Status Symbol

As sunglasses became more widespread, they also started to be worn as a status symbol. The wealthy and social elites began to sport sunglasses, and they became associated with decadence and glamour. This was particularly true for individuals suffering from syphilis, as the wearing of sunglasses became a way to signal one's status as a decadent playboy or playgirl.

Fashion Accessory

Towards the end of the 19th century, sunglasses also began to gain popularity as a fashionable accessory. Celebrities and socialites started wearing them, which led to an increased demand for stylish designs. New sunglass styles and shapes emerged, and tinted lenses in various colours were introduced. Green-tinted lenses, for example, were believed to improve clarity and reduce eye strain, while blue lenses were considered fashionable and attractive.

In summary, people in the 19th century wore sunglasses primarily for health reasons, to protect their eyes from harsh sunlight and glare during outdoor activities, and as a status symbol. Towards the end of the century, they also began to be worn as a fashionable accessory, setting the stage for the widespread popularity of sunglasses in the 20th century.

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