Vintage Aviator Goggles
Fancy yourself a pilot in a biplane with an open cockpit? Then you'll need a pair of vintage aviator goggles to complete the look and protect your eyes in style. All kinds of aviators, from the Wright Brothers to the pilots who carried the US Mail to the military dogfighters of WWI -- they all wore these awesome vintage aviator goggles.
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US $195.00
The original Aviator goggles were produced in France by Leon Jeantet in the late 1920's. Named the 'Aviator Goggle', it was marketed to open cockpit pilots, motor cycle riders and car drivers. A leading brand name still in goggles, their vintage models are very popular collectibles, and are a key fashion item for cyberpunks, steampunks and other Goth subcultures.
Aviator goggles were discontinued for a time and then recently resurrected when Pierre Leon started production of them again in 1992. Apparently goggles are still made following the original guidelines, with reportedly 60 separate hand made tasks needed to reproduce one pair of goggles! That does sound a lot, but Aviator goggles have been a name brand for years and are very proud of their quality. There's no question that these particular goggles are among the best made, and have been for over 100 years.
Vintage leather aviator goggles are currently selling for around $15. These particular goggles look a bit like a Mardi Gras mask. They feature a raised metal eye piece with a clear glass lens and they are apparently original Aviator goggles.
With Aviator Goggles being a favorite Steampunk or Cosplay item, replicas abound on the internet and eBay. Oftentimes the goggles themselves are a bit gaudy, for example gold goggles with colored lenses (green is a favorite). Padding on the imitation goggles is not leather, as was the original, but rather faux-leather. Golden frames are actually made out of plastic. Complete with adjustable elastic straps and UV protected lenses, these items are perfect for modern day pilots, motorcyclists, for clubbing and raves and fit well into the alternative fashion styles.
The Aviator Company had not started making goggles at the time of World War One. Occasionally goggles are offered up for auction with a tag saying they are World War One Aviator goggles, however they are mis-labeled. Still, these World War One goggles are very old aviation goggles which fit better into the vintage auction class as opposed to being merely collectibles, or fashion accessories.
By the time World War Two rolled around, Aviator had perfected their production of goggles which fairly closely resembled the goggles made today. Now, Aviator goggles are sold all over the world and they are considered some of the better classic goggles on the market. Part of their appeal is that their frames follow the lines and curves of the face which makes them extremely comfortable to wear and gives the goggles an airtight seal. They also provide maximum peripheral vision to the wearer.