3 pairs pre-50s sunglasses..?

Vmode

Vmode

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So not strictly clothing, but 3 fab pairs of what I believe to be pre-50s sunglasses.

The first feel to be made from a kind of celluloid, with fantastic Art Deco -esque shape and rhinestoning to the edges. No hinges as such, arms just held with a pin, and green glass lenses.
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Second are 40s? trans early plastic/celluloid, with grey lenses and Polaroid case.. They fit in to this very comfortably but I can't see a Polaroid stamp on the arms, although they have been quite worn and it may have rubbed down. Polaroid co was established in 1937, anyone know if the company always stamped their pieces?
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Last are mock tortoiseshell frames with a lovely shape, same hinge method as the previous two-
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What are everyone's thoughts? ;)
 
I don't usually weigh in on dating because I know others are more experienced than me, but specs are something I've handled and researched a fair amount.

The first with the catseye shape with rhinestones say 50s to me - I don't think that shape was fashionable before then - and if you are thinking original art deco, 1930s glasses are fairly simple affairs. Highly decorated specs didn't come in until the early 1950s, as far as I know. The catseye shape stayed around in the 60s, but these do look older than that.

Not sure about the second, but whether or not it's original the glasses, I think that vinyl Polaroid case is later than 40s, maybe 50s/60s?

The last ones are fab! They are similar in shape to the ones worn by the Boris Lermontov character in The Red Shoes - I remember someone asking for such a pair on the most wanted board. The film was released in 1948.

I'm happy to be corrected on any of this.

Ruth
 
Ruth -

I am not an expert on sunglasses, either but I agree with your dating - especially the catseye pair which are really fun although if I were "forced" to choose one it would be the third pair!
 
Hey Ruth,

I thought 50s on the first pair, I've collected a lot of cat eye specs and sunglasses with totally kooky designs but the majority are in heavier weight/more substantial materials.. the other examples I have in a similar weight/construction are quite early or would have originally been sold as kind of cheapy models or as souvenirs I believe..

I'm still unsure about the 'Polaroids'.. I have a pair of children's P's from the 40s that have a leather-effect card case (v disintegrated now!), and a few pairs of P's from the '56 range and later that have textured canvas-effect vinyl cases. So I'm of the view at the mo that the case pictured is sort of late 40s-early 50s but I'd love to get some more info. I might just send a message via the Polaroid site!

Yes I loove the last pair, have just seen some similarly shaped sunglasses dated as 50s, which I suspected also.. And yeah they do look like the movie pair! I like mines' almost butterfly wing edges :) So may go with early 50s on them then.

Ava
 
Actually I've had a look at the childrens Polaroid sunglasses and they aren't stamped either, it would be interesting to know when they introduced that.. I would have thought right from the beginning!
 
Ooo that's a great idea, thanks for that, I'll give it a test when I can and get back to you!
 
Ok, I'm pretty sure my neighbour thought I was just standing at the window staring at him for ages, but I did the test and they ARE Polarized. Checked against my own pair of Polaroids, with the same effect, so thanks Ruth!

While we're talking frames, I snapped one of my favourite pairs ..

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They're Oleg Cassini's, who made some of the most awesome 'novelty' (while fab hardwearing quality) sunglasses I've ever seen.. I remember a pair on etsy with rhinestoned pistols to the edges of the frames! .. and if you search for his name + sunglasses on ebay.com there's another insane pair for sale. Oh if I had $125 to burn... :wow:
 
Great sunglasses! I agree with Ruth on datings and ummm, I kind of love that last pair. They're probably too small for me though, I have a big face and so generally have to wear modern frames (much to my disgust).

thank you,
Nicole
 
The second pair and case have been bugging me. I looked at some other polaroids and cases, and adverts, and started leaning towards them being on the earlier side of my 50s/60s guess.

Then I found this Polaroid ad dated 1950 from a trade show journal, and the top pair do look pretty similar, though perhaps not identical. You can click the picture to enlarge. It gives a model number S.3-6, so do check them over for any marks and let us know.

http://www.pictorialgems.com/1950-Polaroid-Sunglasses-Nash-Thompson-Ad.27877
 
That's a great site to remember, thanks for the investigation!
I've emailed Polaroid to see if there's anyone in the design or history team that might be able to help and also just offer some general reference guides for dating.. It would be great if I could get a hold of catalogues or pictoral campaigns for each year! They're releasing a range of remakes of their vintage classic styles so hopefully they'll be willing to help :)

That design does look very similar, just a slightly different shape at the bridge and towards the edge of the eyes. I think if the Polaroid people can advise some dates when the different cases were in use then that'd be really helpful for future reference also.
The office is closed until 13th sept, so fingers crossed for a reply soon after!
 
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