Ray-Ban Anthropology?

[birdylove]

Hey folks. I have a number of vintage ray-bans I am trying to research, and I'm wondering if there's some sort of historical catalog? I have baloramas that have 5 barrels and some with 7, some have a sideways B&L logo (never seen that, and they don't appear to be fake). I also have old wayfarers that have a skinnier temple, but still say wayfarer. Some look identical, but half say 5022, and the other half say 5024. Some have a plain silver rivet on the temple, and the others say Ray Ban. I can't find anything published on them, or when design changes happened. I've only been in this biz since '86, so I have limited memory (and it's getting worse!). Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Karen

[Striderswife]

Here's my suggestion (it's the best I've got): call Luxottica and find out who the rep is for your area. Have them do the research. Or, just ask customer service, if you are lucky enough to get someone helpful. Every time I ever called them, it made me want to go work there so they'd have at least one pleasant phone rep, ha.

Are you searching for a patient? For your own knowledge? Do you have frames you're trying to move, or wanting to buy? I'm just being nosey, that's all. :)

[DragonLensmanWV]

This might help some.
http://www.sunglasses-shop.co.uk/ray-ban/timeline/

Though there are no pictures.

[Fezz]

This may be a long shot, but you may want to contact Ed Welch. He runs a antique and vintage frame business. He may be able to shed some light on these for you.

http://www.eyeglasseswarehouse.com/index.html

[rbaker]

Also check with:

David A. Fleishman M.D. at:

http://www.antiquespectacles.com/

He is a world renown source for antique optical stuff.