Vintage Eyeglasses

[Matt Deckard]

I've started working at Hotel De Ville Vintage Eyewear, repairing frames and fitting people for glasses. So far it's been quite fun learning the optical side. For me, using a lensometer and figuring out different tint combinations when it comes to sunglasses is a refreshing new trail when it comes to style. I just presented a man with a pair of celluloid specs with new bottle green lenses yesterday. Looked like he walked right out of 1928.

Feel free to visit when you have the chance and I'll show you the 1930s glasses. Or just stop by to dance and I'll toss on some swing music. I'll probably be there sketching if not working on glasses.

I also have a few prototype Deckard Headwear hats on display. Mockups for the next run.

http://notedelhotel.blogspot.com/

Here is a friend wearing a pair of classic gold filled P3 style wire rims.

And I thought these wire Cat eyes were pretty cool.

 

[Methuselah]

http://notedelhotel.blogspot.com

Great blog, plenty of useful reference photos!

 

[FedoraFan112390]

These aren't vintage (well, they do date from the early-mid 90s, but still) but I wanted to get a pair like them and was wondering if anyone knew what kind they are?

 

[juup]

Thanks for the link. I can put my vintage pair away as I was able to order four frames. I cot the Ronstrong in Black cable (opted for the clip on sunglasses), Ron Sir Zyl (tortoise shell with relaxo cables and clip on sunglass), Ronsir Aztecs (cable of course) and the Demi-amber sidewinders. I'll take the to my optometrist when they come in and finally have a respectable pair of lenses that don't make me look like I'm trying to be 15 again.

 

[FedoraFan112390]

bump

 

[FedoraFan112390]

Bought myself a pair of Rayban Clubmaster aka Browline (think Jim Marrison or Malcom X) frames today. They were sunglasses but I had them converted into plain eyeglasses.

 

[univibe88]

These aren't vintage (well, they do date from the early-mid 90s, but still) but I wanted to get a pair like them and was wondering if anyone knew what kind they are?

They look to me like a large P3 frame. Check out the shuron ronstrong http://www.shuron.com/ronstrong.htm

 

[birkie]

They look to me like a large P3 frame.

Yeah, very large (50+ mm) P3-like. The one in the photo seems to have a slightly larger radius of curvature near the bottom than the Shurons (i.e. more rounded, less pointy), but the Ronstrong frames are available in comparable size and colour.

I just recently got a pair of ronstrong frames, though much smaller (42mm). They are very solid - takes quite a bit of force to bend them.

 

[birkie]

Frame styles & sizes

I found this fascinating page which shows historical eyeglass styles, indicates when they were popular, and depicts the distribution of lens sizes that were typical of the style at the time.

http://www.clearlightoptical.com/size-chart.html

Also linked on that page is a history of ful-vue style frames, especially popular in the 30s and 40s. The Shuron Ronstrongs are of that tradition:

http://clearlightoptical.com/Ful-Vue/

 

[Sharpsburg]

I would like to order a complete set of P3 ful-vues at a reasonable cost. Can anyone recommend a reliable company? I have my recent prescription.

Thanks! Mary

 

[GoldenEraFan]

Dating Glasses

Any loungers have any idea what era these glasses are from?

 

[Shangas]

They look ALMOST Harold Lloydish. There was a really excellent website for dating eyeglasses. I'll see if I can find it for you.

Here we are. This may or may not be helpful: http://www.clearlightoptical.com/size-chart.html

 

[GoldenEraFan]

That sight has some great info on it. I can't seem to find anything like this pair though. What's throwing me is the support bar accross the top of the glasses, which I've only seen on Aviators, yet these lenses are a bit too small to fall into that category.

 

[GoldenEraFan]

Upon doing further research, after learning that the glasses say "Viladium" in 3 places I was able to find an indentical pair of glasses on ebay. They're apparantly saftey glasses from the 1940's period. Does anyone know anything about that those type of glasses?

 

[MisterGrey]

Fade Eyeglasses

I'm going to be getting a new pair of frames and have had my eye on some horn rims. I have the option of either a solid color, or a fade. The fade appeals to me from a vintage standpoint, but I'm wondering if they're "age appropriate." From looking at photos, it seems that they were mainly popular amongst middle-aged and older men, whereas the younger crowd tended to stick to solid colors. I want to go for a vintage look, but I also don't want to look 25+ years older or creepy.

Can anyone offer any insight?

 

[Twill]

I looked and looked for some authentic vintage fade frames with a flattering shape for my face but, couldn't find any (I have a very round face with high cheekbones). I'm 28, and I love them.

I've had these bookmarked for a while. These are shown on a rather young guy. I think he looks great:

To be honest, a pair of glasses aren't going to make you look older... your face will. Sure they may USED to be worn by older guys... but it's not the 1950's. You can pull it off now.

 

[MisterGrey]

Sweet frames, man. Where'd you find 'em?

 

[cookie]

Tart Arnel spectacles = a recent purchase for an old tart!

 

[Velma]

I don't know anything specific about those glasses but I do remember my Uncle Mannie using them when he'd saw wood or worked around any power tools that would throw up particles. This was back in 1947. But who made them I'm not sure. I do remember trying them on and found out that they were set for his eye prescription. My Uncle was a carpenter and hardwood floor layer.

 

[Twill]

These are new, but here's the link: http://www.lunettes-brillenagentur.com/galerie.php?subMenu=kunden