Advice on buying vintage spectacles|eyeglasses

[emacsomancer]

I'd like to get a pair of spectacles with cable temples (the wrap round the ear arms), preferrably the round windsor type.  Savile Row makes some very nice ones, but they're about US$300 for just the frames.  I notice eBay sellers have vintage ones of the same type, for around US$150.  Does anyone have experience buying vintage spectacles?  I'm particularly wondering about sizing.  Any advice?

[Argus Fairbrass]

I know this company specialises in them. I have no idea as to their prices, but they could certainly give you advise.  At least as they're in the EU you wouldn't incur extra custom charges ordering from them, (or would you? apologies I'm a little cloudy on the EUness of the Virgin Islands)

http://www.lunor.com/en/collection/

[johnny the scavenger]

Sizing for specs is a bit deceptive, the size stamped on modern frames relates to the size of the lens at the widest point(eyesize) and the distance between the lenses at the narrowest point(DBL), it does not tell you what the overall width would be. A rough guide would be eyesize x2 plus DBL plus 5 to 10 mm to get total width, compare this to the width of your head across the temples plus 10mm.
Side length for most ladies frames is between 130 to 135mm and men's 135 to 145 but again this does not take into account the design of the front, again a rough measurement for drop ends would be the distance from your spec front to the top of your ear plus 35mm

Also look at the frame itself, do the sides bow out, does the front project forward for any reason, is it adjustable?

[emacsomancer]

@argus: thanks. more interested either in vintage or savile row though

@johnny: Ok, that's useful - the sort of information I was trying to figure out. When I'm measuring, should I be measuring in straight lines, or with the line of the face? (that is, measuring temples - should I be measuring with a straight edge ruler or a measuring tape?)

[johnny the scavenger]

Straight rule is best
There are some examples on the interwebs, like this
http://www.randolphusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/temple-measurement-300x213.gif

Nothing beats actually trying them on though

[Argus Fairbrass]

@argus: thanks. more interested either in vintage or savile row though

@johnny: Ok, that's useful - the sort of information I was trying to figure out. When I'm measuring, should I be measuring in straight lines, or with the line of the face? (that is, measuring temples - should I be measuring with a straight edge ruler or a measuring tape?)

Sure sorry, got my cable temples and telescopic temples mixed up there. 

[groomporter]

I recently stumbled on a source of information on wearing Pince-nez eyeglasses
http://pincenez1.blogspot.com/

[groomporter]

Thought this thread was worth updating with this.

Jas Townsend & Son has the best prices I've seen for reproduction eyeglass frames. They've even got some 19th century style frames as cheap as $17.50. They admit that set un-plated brass, so they will turn your face green, but a little clear fingernail polish can prevent that. I've got a pair of their 18th century frames and had no problem finding an eyeglass store that could put my reading prescription in them.

http://www.townsends.us/personal-accessories-c-73/eyewear-c-73-46.html