USAAF - Airmens' sunglasses by Bausch & Lomb Original WWII

Description

We are often approached by the film and tv industry to supply authentic flight jackets for their productions. But we also supply other equipment, such as these original 1940s produced wartime sunglasses by Bausch & Lomb

B&L are better known to most as Ray Ban. Ray Ban was a catchy brand name created by B&L for their commercial market.

However before this brand name was conceived B&L were instrumental in the creation of the 'Aviator' sunglasses. In 1929, Colonel John A Macready of the US Army Air Corp worked with B&L, a Rochester, New York–based medical equipment manufacturer, to create aviation sunglasses that would reduce the distraction for pilots caused by the intense blue and white hues of the solar light at altitude.

B&L coined the brand name 'Ray Ban' in 1936 which was derived from the ability of these glasses to limit the ingress of either UV or infra-red rays of light. B&L Ray Ban are the first original sunglasses we generically refer to today as 'Aviators'.

After working with the Air Corp to create this eyewear, they were one of a handful of approved sunglass makers by the US government for supplying sunglasses to the USAAF under government contract, and are highly regarded for their superior quality. Designated AN6513-1, the sunglasses had to conform to a strict specification which B&L themselves came up with.

The pair offered here are period-produced B&L sunglasses complete with their original aluminium protective case. They are Bausch & Lomb branded on the underside of the frame at the bridge, and have nickel plated copper alloy frames. The original owners name WYSEL has been inscribed on both the top of the case and behind the brow-bar.

The lenses are made from B&Ls superior eye glass with a 50% green tint (as per USAAF spec) and are in faultless condition.

The original celuloid brow-bar is perfect with no cracks.

Overall, excellent condition showing only minimal natural patina of age for being 80 plus years old. All original screws and parts are present, including the correct wrap-around ‘cable comfort’ arms which were required for flying. Arms are straight and snug in their hinges. A superb example of the very desirable B&L wartime eyewear.


Own a piece of original WWII and film history in one.