“Imported in the last Ships from London, and sold by William Price, at the Corner Shop, next to the Old Brick Meeting-House, and near the Town-House, Boston… best steel Temple and Nose Spectacles .” (Boston News-Letter, May 24, 1750)

Before 1730, spectacles did not have sidepieces that rested upon the ears. Rather, they sat on the nose, which is why the advertisement is selling both “Temple” (those with sidepieces) and “Nose” (those without) spectacles. The sidepieces on these spectacles are typical of the period, with large loops at the ends.  Glasses in the 18th century were similar to today’s generic reading glasses, as they weren’t made by prescription.