RAY BAN 'Cat Eye' Frames, 1950s
View Similar Items
RAY BAN 'Cat Eye' Frames, 1950s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Height: 2 in (5.08 cm)Marked Size: 1 size all (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Plastic
- Condition:Pristine.
- Seller Location:Phoenix, AZ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU10032272253
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.
- Vintage Pink Fendi SunglassesBy FendiLocated in Hoffman Estates, ILVintage Pink Fendi Sunglasses Frame Width: 155mm Lens Width: 63mm Frame Height: 55mm Arm Length: 140mmCategory
1990s Italian Sunglasses
- Vintage Versace Sunglasses Mod 413/A Col 852Located in Hoffman Estates, ILDescription: Classic Vinage Versace Sunglasses Mod 413/A COL 852. Country: Italy Period: 1990'sCategory
1990s Sunglasses
- Vintage Bugatti Aviator Sunglasses 65359Located in Hoffman Estates, ILVintage Bugatti Aviator Sunglasses 65359 Frame Width: 155mm Lens Width: 58mm Frame Height: 51mm Arm Length: 100mmCategory
1980s French Sunglasses
- Chanel Sunglasses With Rhinestone CCs Y2KBy ChanelLocated in Hoffman Estates, ILChanel Sunglasses with Rhinestone CCs from Y2K era.Category
1990s Italian Sunglasses
- Vintage Gianni Versace Sunglasses Mod 414/A Col 852 Black GoldBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Hoffman Estates, ILDescription: Vintage Gianni Versace Sunglasses Mod 414/A Col 852 Condition: Excellent Period: 1990'sCategory
1990s Sunglasses
- Vintage Gianni Versace Black Medusa Sunglasses MOD 413/H COL 852By Gianni VersaceLocated in Hoffman Estates, ILExtremely rare vintage Gianni Versace black sunglasses with iconic Medusa motif and rhinestones.Category
1990s Italian Sunglasses