Civil War Protective / Gunner's Goggles, in jappaned tin case

This is another nice piece being offered, and one that seldom comes on the market – it is a pair of Civil War Artillery Gunners Goggles or Protective eyewear. The eye pieces are clear glass surrounded by a very fine metal mesh. They are attached with a thin string and comes in the original jappaned tin case which measures 2 ¾” x 1 ¾” x 1”. An example of these glasses was worn by Confederate General Adam R. Johnson (see pictures). There is also a period photograph of a captain titled "General Quincy Gillmore's staff on Folly Island, SC, 1863" (see pictures).

These goggles protected the eyes from debris when the cannon was fired as well as keeping some of the smoke out of his eyes. As I mentioned, this is a very difficult item to find and this example is unique, being that it still has the original tin case. There is a period photograph of two artillerymen standing next to each other and one is wearing this type of goggles (see pictures). This item would go great in any artillery, medical or personal items collection.