The monocle has long been associated with cartoonish depictions of European aristocracy or American titans of industry in the Gilded Age. In pop culture, it was most famously worn by the Monopoly Man alongside his iconic top hat, tuxedo, and pillowy mustache.

The monocle was a status symbol in the 19th and early 20th centuries because it was custom-fit to match the wearer’s ocular orbit and often incorporated ivory or precious metals. It gave the affluent a way to see things up close without having to wear wire spectacles, which were often associated with the clergy.

The monocle fell out of favor after it became associated with high-ranking German military officials during World War I, and as technology made glasses more affordable, stylish, and comfortable. Towards the end of the monocle’s reign atop the social food chain, Fox Movietone News produced a remarkable short film, featuring an aristocrat, Count Sribor-Rylski, teaching movie-goers the etiquette of wearing a monocle.

Restored and colorized by Did You See? for its popular........

© Upworthy