Approximately 1960s/70s Bausch & Lomb Ray-Ban Classic Aviator Sunglasses. (Prior to 1982, Ray-Ban did not feature its cursive logo on its lenses & had only a subtle engraving either of “BL” or “RB” on a single lens). As pictured, these excellent condition vintage Ray-Bans have logo etching on glass lenses, along with signature markings along cross-bar over bridge of the nose & earpieces. Lenses are mirrored blue-to-green with high opacity for optimal sun protection. Markings read “B&L Ray-Ban Italy”. Appear to have been made in Italy for Bauch & Lomb, USA.
“In 1929, US Army Air Corps Colonel John A. Macready worked with Bausch & Lomb, 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 sky.[2][3][4] Specifically, MacCready was concerned about how pilots’ goggles would fog up, greatly reducing visibility at high altitude.[5] The prototype, created in 1936 and known as “Anti-Glare”, had plastic frames and green lenses that could cut out the glare without obscuring vision. Impact-resistant lenses were added in 1938.[6] The sunglasses were redesigned with a metal frame the following year and patented as the Ray-Ban Aviator.[5] According to the BBC, the glasses used “Kalichrome lenses designed to sharpen details and minimize haze by filtering out blue light, making them ideal for misty conditions.”[5]” -Wikipedia
Please note: we do our best to provide accurate descriptions and photos. This is a gently used vintage item, and some natural wear & tear is to be expected, though we try to only list items that are in good-excellent condition. Please be sure of your purchase before checking out. Thank you and happy shopping!
