Ray-Ban Vintage Unisex Mint Sunglasses Rituals Mirror W2551 Bewitched
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: Onesize (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Metal
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Please read description.
- Seller Location:Rome, IT
- Reference Number:
Ray-Ban
Vintage Ray-Ban sunglasses remain practically synonymous with American cool. And although the brand has given us some of America’s most iconic sunglass styles — the Wayfarer, the Clubmaster are widely loved Ray-Bans — the Ray-Ban Aviator is in a class of its own.
As a pilot in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, Lieutenant John Macready had experienced the debilitating headaches caused by the bright sun high up. In the 1930s, he took action, partnering with eyewear manufacturer Bausch & Lomb to develop sunglasses specifically for aviators like himself and his colleagues. It was patented as the Ray-Ban Aviator in 1939.
“Aviators reflect the idea that form follows power. They express charisma and heroism — a pilot takes us forward through danger, and there is no going back,” says Patrick Michael Hughes, fashion and decorative-arts historian at Parsons School of Design.
When the Wayfarer was released, in 1952, it was the first sunglass frame made from acetate. With a design inspired in part by mid-century Cadillac tail fins, it caught on with silver-screen stars. Early adopters included James Dean and Marilyn Monroe, who were soon followed by other artists, like Bob Dylan and Andy Warhol. Indeed, celebrities have long held sway in the sunglasses realm — whether you’ve opted for vintage Ray-Ban sunglasses because you’re enamored with Marilyn Monroe’s celebrated Wayfarers or you’ve taken to classic Aviators because actor Jon Hamm wore them in the nostalgic TV smash hit Mad Men.
Of course, with all of this star power, that means they’ve become as popular with counterfeiters as they are with consumers. Do you know how to spot fake Ray-Ban sunglasses?
The center portion of a pair of Ray-Ban acetate sunglasses — which holds the lenses — is cut from a single block. If you feel a seam where two pieces of plastic, front and back, have been glued together, just say no. Also, look out for glue and uneven edges. These are telltale signs of counterfeit production. The final product should have a sturdy, substantial hand.
The lettering inside the temples, or arms, is another good indicator of authenticity. The text should be cleanly etched, perfectly centered and aligned. Ray-Ban’s faux-leather cases come in black, brown and occasional special-edition colors. What you won’t find on a real case is frayed or uneven stitching. What you will find, on newer cases, is a snap closure inscribed with a perfectly centered and executed signature logo and, at the left, a larger logo stamped on the case, sometimes in matte gold or black.
There will be a prominent Ray-Ban signature logo in the upper corner of the right lens and a very subtle BL (for glasses made before 2000) or RB (for those made in 2000 or later) etched on the left one. The logos appear on the opposite sides for prescription lenses.
If faced with Ray-Bans of questionable provenance, remember: The truth may hinge on the hinges. Ray-Bans will always have solid metal, not plastic, hinges, and they will be attached to the frame with screws or rivets, not glue.
A pair of classic designer sunglasses can be a game-changing finishing touch to your ensemble. Find your perfect pair of vintage Ray-Ban sunglasses on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Rome, Italy
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Gherardini Vintage Mint Tortora Logo Sunglasses G/11 56/16 140 mmBy GherardiniLocated in Rome, RomeVintage Gherardini sunglasses, Mod. Tortora - G/11. Light brown acetate frame with logo pattern. Squared design. Original 100% Total UVA/UVB protection in gradient orange color. Gher...Category
1970s Italian Sunglasses
- Casanova Vintage Gold Plated eyeglasses mod CN 4 C 01 54mm NOSBy CasanovaLocated in Rome, RomeGlamorous Casanova sunglasses from mid-80s. Rare, extravagant & sumptuous (24Kt gold-plated). A true rarity and highlight for every collector. Green lenses. Style & Mod.: CN 4 C 01 5...Category
1980s Italian Sunglasses
- Giorgio Armani Vintage Gunmetal Sunglasses 644 905 135 mmBy Giorgio ArmaniLocated in Rome, RomeVintage Giorgio Armani Sunglasses, Mod. 644- 905 - 135. Gunmetal metal frame. Green 100% UV protection tempered glass lenses. Made in Italy. Details MATERIAL: Metal COLOR: Grey MODEL...Category
1990s Italian Sunglasses
- Louis Vuitton LV Cup Blue M80715 Shield Sport Sunglasses 78/10By Louis VuittonLocated in Rome, RomeRare Limited Edition Louis Vuitton sunglasses, mod. M80715, designer for the LV Cup. Shield acetate frame in black color, desi...Category
Early 2000s Italian Sunglasses
- Gucci Black Acetate Rhinestones GG0496S Sunglasses 59/18 145mmBy GucciLocated in Rome, RomeGucci Sunglasses Model GG0496S - 004. Black acetate frame decorated with crystals. Gucci signatures on temples. Original mirrored grey lenses. Mod & refs: GG0496S - 004 - 59/18 - 145...Category
2010s Italian Sunglasses
- Christian Dior Black Aviator Hard Dior1 Sunglasses with CrystalsBy Christian DiorLocated in Rome, RomeBeautiful vintage Christian Dior 'Hard Dior 1' Sunglasses from the 1990s with a lovely crystal detailing on the bridge and on the ear stems. Aviator design. Black metal frame. G100% ...Category
1990s Italian Sunglasses
- Vintage Gianni Versace Black Medusa Sunglasses MOD 413/H COL 852By Gianni VersaceLocated in Hoffman Estates, ILExtremely rare vintage Gianni Versace black sunglasses with iconic Medusa motif and rhinestones.Category
1990s Italian Sunglasses
- Azzedine Alaia, Black rectangular gradient sunglassesBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in AMSTERDAM, NLAzzedine Alaia, Black rectangular gradient sunglasses with embellished temples. This item is new - unworn. • CONDITION: new - unworn • CODE: AA0010S • MEASUREMENTS: height lens 5...Category
2010s Sunglasses
- Maserati - SUNGLASSESBy MaseratiLocated in HOUTEN, NLAmazing metal frame from the old days, very hard to find shield vintage sunglasses by luxury carmaker Maserati.Category
1980s Italian Sunglasses
- Anglo American Eyewear - ELEPHANTSBy Anglo American OpticalLocated in HOUTEN, NLExtremely rare piece of the Anglo American Heritage for the Elephant lover. Produced in England in the 1980's.Category
1980s English Sunglasses
- Anglo American Eyewear - GUITARSBy Anglo American OpticalLocated in HOUTEN, NLAnglo American Optical is one of the oldest frame manufacturers. This frame was produced in England. Every frame produced by them has a very high quality and unique value, it is a ...Category
1970s English Sunglasses
- Anglo American Eyewear - SPADESBy Anglo American OpticalLocated in HOUTEN, NLPerfect pair of glasses to play poker with. This rare piece has been produced in England in the 80's and is part of the Anglo American Heritage.Category
1980s English Sunglasses