A gold-mounted fishskin spectacle case, circa 1843

reeded gold mounts, the sides and top applied with gold panels engraved with two coats of arms and crests, now containing a pair of silver spectacles, London, 1801

The arms are those of James David, Principal of the United College of St Salvator and St Leonard, third son of Sir William Forbes of Pitsligo, 7th. Bt., who married, on 4 July 1843, Alicia, daughter of George Wauchope of Edinburgh.

It is not possible to say who in the Forbes family acquired these silver spectacles however it is tempting to think they may be those of Sir William Forbes, 6th Bt. (1739-1806). We know that he wore glasses as there is a bill from David Downie of Edinburgh from the 1 March 1794 for 'altering the focus on a pair of pebble eyes, £4-10-6' addressed to him, NLS (Acc.4796/218)