Late 17th - early 18th century, with original lenses and wooden case, the lid being carved with a large "KB" while the underside bears the initials "CBD." These rare spectacles have descended through the family of Christopher "Old Kit" Barbee, a primary benefactor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Barbee (abt. 1742 -1832) donated some 225 acres of his Orange County plantation to the original UNC campus in 1792. Much of what is now downtown Chapel Hill, including Franklin and Rosemary Streets, was part of Barbee's bequest.

2 x 4.25 in.

Descended from the Leigh Family Estate Collection, of Chapel Hill, NC.

These spectacles, being of a 17th century form, likely pre-date Christopher Barbee and are quite rare in and of themselves.

One lens fractured with a small chip; leather, although worn, is not heavily crazed. Lid separated from the case bottom.

$1,000 - 3,000