Description
WWI style service spectacles. They have the appropriate vented side guards that fold with the glasses.  These sunglasses come with smoke tinted lenses.  The originals came in clear, amber, and dark (we’re guessing green) tints. We admit that these aren’t a perfect reproduction, but they will keep the sun out of your eyes at an event while staying period and they’re far more comfortable than the originals to wear.
Willson goggles first patented their service goggle in 1913, although the original safety glasses patent goes back to 1912. The service goggles with an olive drab hard case and appear to have the option of straps or earpieces. Interestingly, the temples fold backwards across the front of the lenses, while the safety side guards fold inward.
American Optical followed suit with a similar style safety goggle after the First World War. Â These glasses with metal side mesh remained popular through WWII for civilian workers.
In fact, the American Optical pair in our collection is patented 1926, but contains a manufacture date of 1942.
