ANCIENT GLASS EYE

Collections of glass eyes made by hand at the beginning of the 20th century, each in its original metal box. The shape of the half-shell prostheses was intended to adapt to patients (broken mouths) who had suffered enucleation in the trenches and on the battlefields by shrapnel at the end of the First World War.

An exceptional set due to its state of conservation, each eye is in its original box and protected by the original cotton, extremely rare.

PERIOD : France, early 20th century
DIMENSION : 3.5cm X 2.5cm
SIZE : 1.4"

Prosthetic eyes have a long history, dating back to ancient times, with references discovered in ancient Egypt over 2,500 years ago. Over time, the materials used have evolved from gold to lighter, more durable options like glass. During the Renaissance, Italian artisans perfected the manufacture of glass prostheses, appreciated in particular by the European nobility. With medical advances in the 19th century, prostheses became more sophisticated and adapted to each patient. During the First World War, custom-made glass prosthetics were crucial for injured soldiers, nicknamed "broken jaws", helping to restore their appearance and improving their quality of life. The making of these glass eyes was often done by the expert blowing of skilled glassmakers, who delicately shaped each piece to achieve a natural appearance and comfortable fit.