Vintage Eyeglasses

[Edward]

I did a search and couldn't seem to find a thread that was similar so apologies if I am repeating a prior enquiry...

Having just got back from the optician and being told that my eyes are about to fall out unless I get myself some spectacles for work, I thought that this could be the ideal opportunity to get myself some vintage face furniture! As I am on somewhat of a budget, does anyone know of any good tips for getting hold of vintage or vintage style frames (particularly 1920s-1940s)? There is a fantastic site that I am already aware of that is based here in the UK called Retrospecs with a very fine collection but perhaps a little out of my range for now. I have a stopgap pair of specs on order from the optican and managed to get away without having some overpriced rubbish that made me look like I was pretending to be an archetect foisted upon me, but they are nowhere near what I am after. they are only for reading and not constant wear, so I thought I could get away with something quite bold.

Any thoughts, past experiences and tips would be most appreciated!

(Unfortunately it is both my eyes that need tlc, so a monocle is out, darn it!)

lol lol lol

Long term, I would suggest getting in touch with Shuron - even with shipping, my frames ended up costing me only about £50 per pair, as opposed to the £85 odds in the UK. They have a great range of vintage styles that cover late Victoriana through to the Sixties. In the meantime, eBay is a good option - I've picked up a couple of sets of frames for various costume purposes there, and have been very pleased with them. Unlike auctions for vintage sunglasses I've followed, spectacle frames seem to go for very low prices most of the time, so worth checking out. Can be a bit hit and miss if you need a larger size, but so cheap, you could always sell them on if they don't work.... One you have a pair that do, use that for measurements...

 

[matei]

I had a pair of these when I was in the army... they're known as "BCGs" (birth control glasses), as anyone wearing them would most likely never have the chance to... ah, well - you get the idea. There should be loads around.

They're vaguely vintage-ish, kind of a bad '70s vibe to them:

To make matters worse, not only did mine break in the middle and require tape to hold them together, but the army docs got the prescription wrong.

In one eye I'm slightly farsighted, with astigmatism, and in the other - nearsighted. However, in the army way, they made both lenses identical - for nearsightedness.

Thanks to that, I had no depth perception for the 2 months I was in basic training. Loads of fun, especially when running down stairs or jumping to catch a rope.

 

[bbshriver]

I was just watching "A river Runs Through It" the other night and it occurred to me... I love the father's glasses. Anyone know where I can get those, or some like it?

 

[Doublegun]

Vintage style glasses?

I know this one has been discussed before but other than Shuron, what company makes high-quality fames for glasses?

Thanks,

DG

 

[Mysterious Mose]

http://angloamericanopticalltd.com/index.html

 

[WideBrimm]

ArtCraft Optical
http://www.artcraftoptical.com/products/dress/legendarylooks/legendary-looks.htm

 

[MrBern]

P-3, panto frame

ArtCraft Optical
http://www.artcraftoptical.com/products/dress/legendarylooks/legendary-looks.htm

I had various vintage ful-vue frames for decades, but lately Ive been tempted to pick up the modern version from this site:
http://www.observer.com/2009/culture/rrrowl-beware-cougars-young-niece-cheetah?page=0

Incidentally, the Art Craft P-3 frame comes with a 1 year warranty.
The steel wire version seems to have been discontinued.

 

[GreyHaas]

I've had my eye on some Moscot's for a bit now.

The "Vilda" and "Lemtosh" models look pretty cool. They come in some nice color combinations and you can get the vintage green sunglasses lenses in them too.

 

[MrBern]

frames

swifty lazar

the elderly Mr Grant

 

[MrBern]

Geek 104

I've had my eye on some Moscot's for a bit now.

The "Vilda" and "Lemtosh" models look pretty cool. They come in some nice color combinations and you can get the vintage green sunglasses lenses in them too.

Ive been considering Miltzen.

As for Vilden & Lemtosh, theres this less pricey alternative from GEEK Eyewear:
http://www.lbieyewear.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_frame_info&cPath=0&products_id=289

GEEK #104

 

[univibe88]

Moscot's are made in China, which stinks.

Here's another option http://www.allynscura.com/originaldesigns_index.htm

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

I still haven't bought new glasses, but my old ones are almost 9 years old so I'd better get a move on.

I tried these Shuron Sidewinder frames on today. I've found them for $67 online and I'm very tempted.

 

[Johnny Astro]

I got my Ronsirs directly from Shuron and for my experience, their customer service was top notch. They sent me a box with a bunch of different sizes,colors and styles and I just picked what I wanted and sent back the rest.

Couldn't decide between the tortoise and the gray briar, so I made the logical choice and got both.....

 

[SarahBeth]

I got my Ronsirs directly from Shuron and for my experience, their customer service was top notch. They sent me a box with a bunch of different sizes,colors and styles and I just picked what I wanted and sent back the rest.

Couldn't decide between the tortoise and the gray briar, so I made the logical choice and got both.....

I've looked at their site and have been curious about how much they cost? That's amazing that they sent you a box of different styles & sizes to try!

I've also been browsing around on ebay and various other sites for vintage eyeglasses.
Right now I have a dozen different frames from zennioptical.com since they're so cheap. I even have this pair in brown tortoise shell. Not bad for $8 but I would really like a real vintage pair.

 

[univibe88]

Ronsirs are around $100. I echo the statement about their customer service. They actually sent me 3 different sizes for me to try on and I sent them all back. Then I had my eye doctor order the frames so I could take advantage of my insurance benefits. Shuron knew I was doing this and was totally fine with it.

 

[Ghostsoldier]

Be careful of some of the EBayer's....I bought a cheap pair with prescription lenses (from a optometrist, no less) that turned out to be costume glasses that you could buy for 5 bucks.

The arm broke (no wire reinforcement), and they replaced it, but the frames are cheap junk, and they broke again at the bridge a week later (and I'm gentle on my glasses). They cost me 30 bucks, but I just chucked them aside, lesson learned.

Spend the extra money, and get a good set of frames.
Rob

 

[John in Covina]

Be careful of some of the EBayer's....I bought a cheap pair with prescription lenses (from a optometrist, no less) that turned out to be costume glasses that you could buy for 5 bucks. Rob

*******
One of the great pitfalls of vintage and collectors are those that as the Antiques Roadshow defines as "Made to Fool" items. Sometimes the seller is unaware but when they know and look to gouge a buyer representing the item as original that is scummy lying cheating thievery at the worst.

 

[SarahBeth]

I'm bidding on a pair right now that I'm excited about on ebay. I've bought 2 pairs of Tart Optical glasses on there before. They were good quality but didn't look right on me so I sold them. I hope that I win this bid and they look good on me.
I also found this site while browsing around: http://giantvintage.com/ It seems like they have a bunch of fun vintage frames at good prices. I'm sure I'll end up buying a pair of clubmaster style sunglasses from them.

 

[BinkieBaumont]

"These are rather nice"

 

[SarahBeth]

"These are rather nice"

I've been thinking about getting a pair like that ever since I found this photo of my grandmother:

I won just won these on ebay:

If they end up looking good on me I'll post a photo.