Posted 14 years ago
mikmid69
(1 item)
I have several pairs of my grandfathers Aviator sunglasses that are still all in the original AF cases. He was a fighter pilot in WWII. They have the wrap around the ear frames and are in excellent condition. Third picture is of the ear wrap around, which has a spiral type engraving on the metal? The glass quality is awesome for them being used. The glass in the pairs that I have vary in tints, which I'd like to know the history on. Not Ray-Bans, but just wandering if they are collectibles, as I have several pairs, all in fantastic condition, no, not for sale. I'd like to know more about them, i.e., if they were given to the pilots or purchased, the materials, etc.
Sure they are collectible! The temples are called cable temples, they help hold the glasses on tightly. Be careful not to bend them, they are flexible but they can break. Today the company is more commonly known as A. O. Safety. American Optical definitely was a competitor with Rayban along time ago, but today known for their safety glasses. Tinting is generally specific to the conditions. Yellow is usually known for shooting and also good for cloudy dark conditions, Brown/Gray/Green more general use ( brown/Green provides more contrast while Gray darkens everything), Rose... everything looks better is rose colored glasses. The labeling inside the case looks as if it specified what the lens use was for G-22 for flying, sun....I can't remember all the tint names but G-15 was a green gray color. B-?? Should be for brown, etc...Glass lenses have always provided the best clarity, even today, however they are not considered safe because they could shatter. Today that spells LAW SUIT. Hopefully that helps, T
Thanks so much for all of your help Tamara!! Greatly appreciated!! Kim