coolhandluke
Well-Known Member
I've been looking to pick up a pair of reproduction vintage aviator sunglasses for quite some time. I was hoping to purchase a set of current production American Optical sunglasses, but decided that the straight earpiece design will likely not work well with the baseball caps and watch caps that I frequently wear. From what I gather, the WWII era curved earpiece reproduction sunglasses are not comfortable for daily wear.
While shopping for caps several months ago, I discovered that Papa Nui offered reproductions of the plastic framed USN aviator glasses from the mid-40's. I finally pulled the trigger on a pair last week and they arrived a couple days ago. Regrettably, I realized after purchasing that they had sent me a 10% coupon via email that had gone to my spam folder.
Initial impressions after receiving the glasses is that they did not disappoint, based on their somewhat hefty price tag. The packaging definitely helps in that regard. The earpieces and nosebridge shape are slightly different than originals, but otherwise they appear to be a decently accurate representation. Take this comment with a grain of salt though, as I have never handled an original pair.
I suppose that the glasses will look ridiculous to some, but I'm happy with both their appearance and fit. The frame shape and sizing is very much in accordance with a metal aviator frame. Now I just need to see if my optometrist can add a set of prescription lenses to the frames.
A pair of original sunglasses for reference...
While shopping for caps several months ago, I discovered that Papa Nui offered reproductions of the plastic framed USN aviator glasses from the mid-40's. I finally pulled the trigger on a pair last week and they arrived a couple days ago. Regrettably, I realized after purchasing that they had sent me a 10% coupon via email that had gone to my spam folder.
Initial impressions after receiving the glasses is that they did not disappoint, based on their somewhat hefty price tag. The packaging definitely helps in that regard. The earpieces and nosebridge shape are slightly different than originals, but otherwise they appear to be a decently accurate representation. Take this comment with a grain of salt though, as I have never handled an original pair.
I suppose that the glasses will look ridiculous to some, but I'm happy with both their appearance and fit. The frame shape and sizing is very much in accordance with a metal aviator frame. Now I just need to see if my optometrist can add a set of prescription lenses to the frames.
A pair of original sunglasses for reference...
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