Vintage Bausch & Lomb Ray-Ban Shooter Aviator Sunglasses with Case

This is a pair of vintage Bausch & Lomb Ray-Ban 'Shooter' style aviator sunglasses, likely dating from the 1960s to early 1980s. The glasses feature gold-toned metal frames with the classic teardrop-shaped lenses and a signature circular cigarette holder or 'vanity hole' at the bridge. The brow bar is accented with a cream-colored or yellowish plastic/pearlized sweat bar. The lenses appear to be early mineral glass, possibly G-15 or Kalichrome depending on their transmission, though they are currently obscured by heavy dust and surface grime. The ear stems are 'cable' style, designed to wrap around the ear for security. Included is an original brown pebble-grain faux-leather case with a soft interior lining. The case features the vintage gold foil logo including the text 'BAUSCH & LOMB', 'Ray-Ban', 'SUN GLASSES', and 'MADE IN U. S. A.' Condition reveals significant storage wear: the metal shows signs of surface verdigris (green oxidation) near the hinges and nose pads, the lenses are extremely dusty and potentially scratched, and the case shows some fading and cracking near the fold. The gold foil on the case remains largely intact, which is a positive indicator for collectors. Overall, these are high-quality mid-century optics from the pre-Luxottica era of manufacturing.

I have examined the digital representation of these vintage Bausch & Lomb Ray-Ban Shooter sunglasses. The design features, specifically the 'cigarette' vanity hole, pearlized sweat bar, and cable temples, are consistent with authentic mid-century B&L production. The gold foil stamping on the case is a strong indicator of the pre-1999 era. However, the condition is fair to good. I observe significant verdigris buildup on the hinges and bridge, which often suggests long-term storage in humid conditions; this can permanently pit the gold plating if not professionally cleaned. While the lenses appear to be the classic G-15 mineral glass, the heavy dust and possible surface scratching significantly impact the immediate value. The market for vintage 'Made in USA' Ray-Bans remains robust, particularly for Shooters and Outdoorsman models. Recent auction comparables for Shooters in 'excellent' condition range from $300 to $450, but the current state of these frames necessitates a downward adjustment for restoration costs. Verification of the 'B&L' etching near the hinges is required for definitive authentication, as high-quality counterfeits exist. Furthermore, a physical inspection is necessary to ensure the cable temples have retained their structural integrity and that the green oxidation has not caused irreparable corrosion to the base metal. For full authentication, I would need to inspect the engraving on the topside of the brow bar and verify the lens marks under magnification.