|
|
product code : k5428 :
£ 145
-
1960s-70s layered black on white on crystal plastic frame
marked A&T and MADE IN FRANCE
-
Original mineral glass brown lenses
condition
size
lens spec
other info
-
A&T were a ski company which started out as
Anderson & Thompson
in Seattle, WA in the early 1930s, patenting laminated wooden skis.
They were very successful and continued trading until 1975. Here is
an ad of theirs from 1968, and our pair looks to date from around then
or a bit later. Ours is also similarly laminated, with a black layer, on white,
on crystal. In the mid-60s, A&T were importing ski wear from Europe
into the American market, including Le Trappeur boots from Isère, France
(established 1887) which not only flashed their Olympic credentials, were
often in black, and worn on the snow and apres-ski - a crystal, white
and top layer black pair of sunglasses would team nicely. A&T were also
the agents for Salomon bindings - so no surprise all round to see 'Made
in France' stamped alongside A&T. And these details from the ad probably
apply too: "German-ground lenses...superhard...250% stronger than
regular lenses" - again showing these American pioneers selecting top
echelon European products to give them that edge of exclusivity and cachet.
Be aware though that technology has moved on in the last 50 years or so
and these days glass lenses may not be recommended for rugged sports.
But aprés ski, you'll be the coolest in the lodge, in A&T. Herewith a fine
piece of American - and European - sporting history.
— klasik
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
