Bausch & Lomb AN6531 Outdoorsman Aviator Sunglasses
1 Vintage Bausch & Lomb AN6531 Type II Outdoorsman aviator sunglasses are the iconic original B&L military version aviator sunglasses c early 1930s/ 1940s, issued to Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps aviators as pilot sunglasses in the years leading up to and during World War II . This is the style from which all future B&L Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses and shooters originate, here with the soon to be even more famous "General" brow bar designed to improve the balance of the sunglasses on the face. They feature early Bausch & Lomb Tru Green Shade 1 or 2 lenses, a lighter shade than the subsequent RB-3 and G-15 lenses, and Outdoorsman cable "shooter" ear stems for the most secure fit possible. The AN 6531 frame core is copper rather than magnetic steel and the plating is nickel instead of 12K gold; you never wanted to take something magnetic into the cockpit of an aircraft for fear of the affect on your compass navigation system. This frame was lighter weight than subsequent versions which were typically gold plating over a steel frame, and while American Optical and Rochester Optical also produced the AN6531 for the military each company used its own lenses so here you get unparalleled Bausch & Lomb quality. Originating in the mid 1930s, the "teardrop" shape lens was designed to accommodate Air Force pilots who were constantly looking down at their instrument panel while in flight, and of course all future aviators are recognized by this lens shape. The top of the nose bridge is impressed Bausch & Lomb, nary a mention of the Ray-Ban brand adopted much later. These B&L AN-6531 sunglasses are considered the 1st generation of B&L aviator sunglasses and the origin of the famous Ray Ban line of aviator and outdoorsman sunglasses we still see today. The unisex Bausch & Lomb AN6531 frame measures approximately 5.375" temple to temple, and the Bausch & Lomb Shade 1/2 mineral glass lenses measure approximately 2.25" x 1.875" at the widest points. The top and or the bottom of the nose bar is impressed Bausch & Lomb. See the original Bausch & Lomb catalogue listing for these AN6531 sunglasses here, part of the collection of a well known movie and TV figure and long time customer of the Vintage Sunglasses Shop. Very rare.
Item VS234-1 / Price: $485.00
1A Get the entire package with vintage Bausch & Lomb AN6531 Type II Outdoorsman aviator sunglasses along with the early aluminum Bausch & Lomb metal case, impressed B&L in their early triangle logo and Made in USA.
Item VS234-1A / Price: $545.00
1B Get the entire package with new old stock (except from 70 years of tarnish in spots that can be removed if you so desire) vintage Bausch & Lomb AN6531 Type II Outdoorsman aviator sunglasses along with the early aluminum Bausch & Lomb metal case, impressed B&L in their early triangle logo and Made in USA.
Item VS234-1B / Price: $585.00
2 Identical in appearance, Bausch & Lomb also marked some of their early production of B&L AN6531 with their Ful Vue label used previously as they got their start making safety glasses and goggles. They are identical in appearance to #1 above but are impressed under the nose bridge B&L Ful Vue.
Item VS234-2 / Price: SOLD
3 American Optical (AO) also produced the AN6531 aviator for the US military as the Army, Navy, and Air Force diversified production to meet unprecedented demand during the war years. Military aficionados actively debate whether early military issue B&L or AO AN6531 aviators were of higher quality, but after 20 years of selling rare vintage sunglasses we think we can confidently state they are de facto equivalent in all ways. If anything we would give a frame edge to American Optical and a lens edge to Bausch & Lomb, but this AO AN6531 Outdoorsman aviator is identical in size, shape, and appearance to the Bausch & Lomb production. Very Rare.
Item VS234-3 / Price: $485.00
4 Rochester Optical Company has been in operation for over 85 years as a maker of military eyewear, and ROC also produced the iconic AN6531 aviators for the US military during the years of World War II joining American Optical and Bausch & Lomb as the government's core providers. These early Rochester Optical AN6531 military shooters are impressed R.O.Co. under the nose bridge and are identical in size, shape, and appearance to the Bausch & Lomb and American Optical production of the AN6531. A very high quality maker rivaling the best of B&L Ray-Ban and quite rare.
Item VS234-4 / Price: $425.00
4A Step up another level with very rare 12k gold filled Rochester Optical Company AN6531 military aviator sunglasses, These early Rochester Optical AN6531 military shooters are impressed 1/10 12k GF R.O.Co. under the nose bridge and are identical in size, shape, and appearance to the Bausch & Lomb and American Optical production of the AN6531. Very rare.
Item VS234-4A / Price: $485.00
5 An amazing find! New old stock Bausch & Lomb AN 6531 anti glare lenses right out of a box from the dusty shelf of one of the world's premier collectors of militaria and a collaborator with the Vintage Sunglasses Shop. Each individually paper wrapped new old stock lens set notes the fact they are AN 6531 lenses with specification AN-GG-G-401 that were made in the USA by Bausch & Lomb Optical Co. of Rochester NY. Purchase includes new old stock left and right lenses wrapped in the original B&L paper packaging. Very rare.
Item VS234-5 / Price: $265.00
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