Featured BAO Glasses

Bought these glasses a week ago.
Marked BAO 40
Ergo, British American Optical, but I haven't been able to find any info on age.




The case is from an optician (Federmann) in Haarlem (Netherlands).
The store (opened in 1850) still exists, and is still located at the Grote Houtstraat. But the address in the case is written as Groote Houtstraat, dating the case to pre .....? (@Any Jewelry )

 

Pre 1947.
And very nice glasses.

 

This site has a lot of information.... https://www.myantiquespectacles.com/history-and-identification/copy-of-history-and-identification-1

 

According to https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/people/cp50318/british-american-optical-company-limited, BAO was established in 1947.
And according to http://www.kidwellyhistory.co.uk/Industry/Optical/Optical.htm, "The first saleable output was in June 1950."
So, pre 1947 case, with post 1950 glasses

Interesting site but most info seems to be on antique glasses. The vintage section is limited to pics of Ray Ban and American Optical

 

Yep. The case looks a bit small for these glasses, it may have held one of those models with the small round lenses.

 

Found these on Ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/197129571531

Not identical, but fairly similar, decribed as "Vintage 50s gold filled eyeglasses frames British American Optical women's Med"
Sold for GBP 16.00, and that's more than what I've paid for mine (including a vintage UK Design candle snuffer, and a folding comb ...that I managed to break ... twice )

 

If you break it, you might as well go all the way.

 

Very popular in the US from the late 30's thru the mid 50's...my Dad works that same pattern until al least '59, as did his brother.

 

someone used to make good frames........ nice find !!!

 

To make the story complete, here are the other 2 items:

Is the comb a moustache comb?

 

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/for-victorian-men-the-mustache-comb-was-everything

yes , for victorian men..



the nude lady is a dead give a way !!