B&L RAY BAN c.1970's BAUSCH & LOMB "Outdoorsman" Metal Frame Aviator Sunglasses
View Similar Items
B&L RAY BAN c.1970's BAUSCH & LOMB "Outdoorsman" Metal Frame Aviator Sunglasses
About the Item
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. CONDITION: B (see description). Light wear to frame (mostly at bottom); few small chips to bottom of lenses (only noticeable upon extremely close examination); slight bend in right arm. May have been fitted to original owner.
- Seller Location:Thiensville, WI
- Reference Number:Seller: EI:011897_1/E/W1stDibs: LU54135902052
Ray-Ban
Vintage Ray-Ban sunglasses remain practically synonymous with American cool. And although the brand has given us some of America’s most iconic sunglass styles — the Wayfarer, the Clubmaster are widely loved Ray-Bans — the Ray-Ban Aviator is in a class of its own.
As a pilot in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, Lieutenant John Macready had experienced the debilitating headaches caused by the bright sun high up. In the 1930s, he took action, partnering with eyewear manufacturer Bausch & Lomb to develop sunglasses specifically for aviators like himself and his colleagues. It was patented as the Ray-Ban Aviator in 1939.
“Aviators reflect the idea that form follows power. They express charisma and heroism — a pilot takes us forward through danger, and there is no going back,” says Patrick Michael Hughes, fashion and decorative-arts historian at Parsons School of Design.
When the Wayfarer was released, in 1952, it was the first sunglass frame made from acetate. With a design inspired in part by mid-century Cadillac tail fins, it caught on with silver-screen stars. Early adopters included James Dean and Marilyn Monroe, who were soon followed by other artists, like Bob Dylan and Andy Warhol. Indeed, celebrities have long held sway in the sunglasses realm — whether you’ve opted for vintage Ray-Ban sunglasses because you’re enamored with Marilyn Monroe’s celebrated Wayfarers or you’ve taken to classic Aviators because actor Jon Hamm wore them in the nostalgic TV smash hit Mad Men.
Of course, with all of this star power, that means they’ve become as popular with counterfeiters as they are with consumers. Do you know how to spot fake Ray-Ban sunglasses?
The center portion of a pair of Ray-Ban acetate sunglasses — which holds the lenses — is cut from a single block. If you feel a seam where two pieces of plastic, front and back, have been glued together, just say no. Also, look out for glue and uneven edges. These are telltale signs of counterfeit production. The final product should have a sturdy, substantial hand.
The lettering inside the temples, or arms, is another good indicator of authenticity. The text should be cleanly etched, perfectly centered and aligned. Ray-Ban’s faux-leather cases come in black, brown and occasional special-edition colors. What you won’t find on a real case is frayed or uneven stitching. What you will find, on newer cases, is a snap closure inscribed with a perfectly centered and executed signature logo and, at the left, a larger logo stamped on the case, sometimes in matte gold or black.
There will be a prominent Ray-Ban signature logo in the upper corner of the right lens and a very subtle BL (for glasses made before 2000) or RB (for those made in 2000 or later) etched on the left one. The logos appear on the opposite sides for prescription lenses.
If faced with Ray-Bans of questionable provenance, remember: The truth may hinge on the hinges. Ray-Bans will always have solid metal, not plastic, hinges, and they will be attached to the frame with screws or rivets, not glue.
A pair of classic designer sunglasses can be a game-changing finishing touch to your ensemble. Find your perfect pair of vintage Ray-Ban sunglasses on 1stDibs.
- CHRISTIAN DIOR “Delicacy F” Ltd Ed. Black Swarovski Crystal Oversized SunglassesBy Christian DiorLocated in Thiensville, WICHRISTIAN DIOR “Delicacy F” Ltd Ed. Black Swarovski Crystal Oversized Sunglasses w/Box Brand/Manufacturer: Christian Dior Circa: 2014 Style: Oversized ...Category
2010s Italian Sunglasses
- VERSACE Black Marble Sunglasses Mod. 3171By VersaceLocated in Thiensville, WIVERSACE Black Marble Sunglasses Mod. 3171 Brand / Manufacturer: Versace Style: Sunglasses Color(s): Shades of black, brown, clear and silver Add...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sunglasses
- GIANNI VERSACE c.1990s Gold Tortoiseshell Medusa Emblem Oval Shaped SunglassesBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Thiensville, WIGIANNI VERSACE c.1990s Gold Tortoiseshell Medusa Emblem Oval Shaped Sunglasses Brand / Manufacturer: Gianni Versace Circa: 1990s Designer: Gianni Versace Style: Sunglasses Color(s):...Category
1990s Italian Sunglasses
- CHLOE S/S 2001 Stella McCartney Gold Asymmetrical Wire Frame Shield SunglassesBy Stella McCartney, ChloéLocated in Thiensville, WIDESCRIPTION: CHLOE S/S 2001 Gold Asymmetrical Wire Frame Shield Sunglasses 76S Brand / Manufacturer: Chloe Collection: Spring / Summer 2001 Designer: Stella McCartney Style: Shiel...Category
Early 2000s Italian Sunglasses
- BALENCIAGA Light on Dark Blue Suede Colorblock Wooden Wedge Platform HeelsBy BalenciagaLocated in Thiensville, WIBalenciaga light on dark blue colorblock wooden wedge heels. Blue matte finish genuine leather upper with light blue suede front panel. Side zip closure ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes
- EMILIO PUCCI c.1955 'Emilio For Lord & Taylor' Novelty Figure Print Silk ScarfBy Emilio PucciLocated in Thiensville, WIEMILIO PUCCI c.1955 'Emilio For Lord & Taylor' Novelty Figure Print Silk Scarf Brand/Manufacturer: Lord & Taylor Circa: 1955 Designer: Emilio Pucci Style: Square scarf Color(s): Sh...Category
1950s Italian Scarves
- Gucci 1990s Teal SunglassesBy GucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZGet your hands on these incredible Gucci dead stock sunglasses circa 1990s! The perfect Y2K shield style sunglasses in this gorgeous teal/light green color. These are such a classic ...Category
1990s Italian Sunglasses
- Dior 1990s SunglassesBy Christian DiorLocated in Scottsdale, AZChristian Dior does it again with the perfect every day dead stock sunglasses circa 1990s! These modern and elegant sunglasses feature grey lenses alongside sleek silver tone accents. These are so versatile and will pair well with anything in your closet! Pair these with your favorite Bottega Veneta...Category
1990s Sunglasses
- 1990s Versace Aviator SunglassesBy VersaceLocated in Scottsdale, AZHow stunning are these Versace dead stock sunglasses circa 1990s?! The perfect aviator style sunglasses featuring light blue lenses alongside brown detailing with silver tone accents. These are the perfect every day sunglasses with an elevated touch of vintage! Match these to your favorite Versace loafers and pair with a Prada hat...Category
1990s Italian Sunglasses
- Giorgio Armani 1990s Blue SunglassesBy Giorgio ArmaniLocated in Scottsdale, AZElevate your eyewear this summer with these beautiful Giorgio Armani dead stock sunglasses circa 1990s! The perfect every day sunglasses featuring blue lenses accompanied by silver t...Category
1990s Italian Sunglasses
- Versace 1990s Blue and Gold SunglassesBy VersaceLocated in Scottsdale, AZHow stunning are these Versace dead stock sunglasses circa 1990s?! The perfect every day sunglasses featuring greenish blue grey lenses alongside black detailing with gold tone accen...Category
1990s Sunglasses
- 1990s Giorgio Armani Blue Frame SunglassesBy Giorgio ArmaniLocated in Scottsdale, AZElevate your eyewear this summer with these beautiful Giorgio Armani dead stock sunglasses circa 1990s! The perfect every day sunglasses featuring green/blue lenses accompanied by si...Category
1990s Sunglasses