Ful-Vue Eyeglasses Value Guide

The Ful-Vue eyeglass design, patented by American Optical in 1923, revolutionized the optical industry by relocating the temple hinges to the top of the frame. This innovation provided wearers with unobstructed peripheral vision, making them a landmark piece of functional American design history.

What affects the value of Ful-Vue Eyeglasses?

• The presence of the original hard leather carrying case significantly increases the set's desirability.
• Condition of the gold-filled finish, specifically looking for 'brassing' or wear-through on the high points of the frame.
• The clarity and integrity of the glass lenses, though frames are often valued independently for modern prescription retrofitting.
• Mechanical tightness of the high-mounted hinges and the overall symmetry of the frame arms.

How to Identify Ful-Vue Eyeglasses?

• Look for the 'Ful-Vue' stamp typically located on the bridge or the inner side of the temples.
• Verify the high-set temple placement, which is the signature characteristic of this specific 1930s-1950s design.
• Check for 'GF' or 'Gold-Filled' hallmarks on the metal components to confirm the material composition.
• Inspect the nose pads for original materials like early plastics or mother-of-pearl used during the era.

History of Ful-Vue Eyeglasses

The Ful-Vue style of eyeglasses was patented by American Optical in 1923 and revolutionized eyeglass design by moving the temples to the top of the frame, providing unobstructed peripheral vision. This design quickly became popular and was widely adopted by other manufacturers.