How to tell the age of your vintage Ray-Ban sunglasses

[@tedschroeders5289]

Excellent video, mate. I thought I knew a lot about Ray-Ban sunglasses but you proved me wrong. I just learned a lot more about how to nail down specific eras and models. Thank you!

[@neganzoidberg2191]

I know nothing about Ray Bans. I found a pair of my late mother in laws and I immediately loved them, not knowing they were hers. So, I went from “cool, Ray Ban is a brand that holds some merit.” To “OMG IM OBSESSED WITH MY NEW TREASURE I MUST KNOW HOW TO CARE FOR IT!” Well, here I am. And you haven’t started telling me how to figure out more about my pair… and I just subbed so fast, you beat the record. Handsome UK fella, telling people who would CONFUSE ME!!! to silence their nonsense. Man I love you. Already, all the way. 😂 can I pay some help with my pair?

[@gabriel-bl4ckh4wk-6]

Thank you so much, i just found that the RB i bought last week for $109 here in Brazil it's from 1982-1999, it's a RB3030 with mirror lens, like in the movie Cobra! I finnaly found one! Awesome, now it's a part of me, i need to pay now $27 to restore the frame paint and the tiny screws, the lens look brand new, RB has such HQ, and i got the original case too, i'm really happy. At the same time now i know that the one used by Stallone during the movie it's from lates 50" to 1975, cuz have nothing on the lens, and if i used one like this today ppl would think that it's a good knock off.

[@TheCerealQuiler]

If it's a RB 3030 it's from Luxottica, and was produced after the brand was sold by Bausch& Lomb, are made in Italy and not in the USA. Check if it have the RB etched on the lens, and if it have markings on the temples. The new ones arent considered vintage and the mirrored aviators/outdoorsmans/shooters are the most faked models.

[@TheCerealQuiler]

Ah, sou colecionador, já tive muitos Ray Bans, mas agora só tenho 5 da B&L e 1 da Luxottica, comecei a comprar e aprender sobre Ray Ban em 2008, qualquer dúvida pode me chamar! Se tiver algum pra trocar ou vender também...

[@crb8599]

Consegui comprar 5 da B&L dos anos 60 a inicio dos 90 por 600 reais, incluindo um Shooter Kalichrome e um Driving Series Chromax! O jeito é garimpar pra pagar um preço menos salgado nesses óculos.

[@manoflego123]

Thanks for this video! I got a used vintage pair for a decent price recently and didn't care about how old they were (I just wanted pre-Luxottica), but now I know mine are probably from the late '80s! This helps because I need to get some replacement arms that actually fit me lol.

[@najjbellmprod]

Only 400 likes .Just the information researches deserves 1M .Great video !!

[@laurakurian2905]

I officially adore you. Super helpful! Thank you!

[@ectober]

thank you sm for this info!! ive had some old raybans from my dads teen years and could never find any identifying info on them, never knew or thought theyd be from 1950-75, this video was super super helpful!

[@kiiiisu]

thanks man, figured out age for couple of my sunglasses!!

[@nahpimpin398]

Thank you so much for this video! The main man on B&L🔥

[@josephinemarchetti9920]

Great video! A friend helped an older lady clean her garage and they found an old pair of Ray Bans. She said either she or her husband had bought them in 1992 and they had been in storage since then, never worn! All the etching and the lens color matches that! She gave them to him and he sold them to me very cheap despite looking up their approximate worth and I'm stoked about my purchase now!

[@im4nonym0us39]

What kind of a Ray-Ban is it?

[@josephinemarchetti9920]

@@im4nonym0us39 it's a pair of aviators, they're my favorite pair now 🥰

[@JMDarkeyez]

really good video. I could've sworn these glasses with the BL etching looked from the 50s but apparently they were after 1983 because they have the white Ray Ban at the top

[@AramCanada]

I found your clip very helpful, I have a pair of vintage ones which the bl is on top of both glasses. I got it from a friend in early 90s. I couldnt find info about these types of lenses in your clip.

[@walkingnyc1]

Very informative! Thanks! Is there any information about what decade the "no etching" aviators are between 1950's & 1970's? I cannot find anything...

[@Harleyrk99]

Great video, I am going to research the years of the gas station Ray Bans. These were the years Ray Bans were made very cheaply and you could buy them in any gas station for just a few dollars. You may want to look out for these, they may be "vintage" but they were very cheaply made. On another note, people always put "vintage" when they are selling something in hopes to pull in a higher dollar amount.

[@PacoElMapache]

how does one recognize them?

[@tedschroeders5289]

If you bought cheaply made Ray Bans in a gas station, they were not authentic Ray Ban glasses. They were knock offs. To the best of my knowledge, authentic Ray-Bans were always only available through Ray ban dealers, not gas stations or convenience stores.

[@Harleyrk99]

@@tedschroeders5289 Ray Ban had become terribly uncool, quality was awful, they were very cheap ($19 a pair) and was for sale at gas stations - hardly the brand it is today. B&L sold to Luxottica when Ray Ban were at their lowest ebb - for $640 million in 1999

[@JohnsonMerrick]

or when a product is vintage (20-100 years old)

[@Harleyrk99]

@@JohnsonMerrick vintage is 40 + years old, antique is 100 + years old.

[@hitur99]

Hello, awesome video. Thanks so much! Could you please provide some info about the frame engravings? Which era of RB didn't have any markings on the temples?

[@PH-dm8hw]

Both videos were very helpful. Thanks for a great teaching job.

[@kevinhay356]

I have more than 70 pair, my earliest pair of B&L is pre-RayBan from 1931. Good info, thanks for sharing, there are lots of mislabeled RayBans being sold on eBay.

[@btg117]

Great video!! I had a pair of b&l with no ray ban.. thought I had bought fakes. Your info put my mind at rest

[@Lightja_]

"I have come to learn over the years... if you dont know what you're talking about... STFU." time to listen.... Great video. Thank you.

[@silveradotahoe61]

Fantastic man...a topic about those fantastic glasses....coming closer only from 2 months but am 55 yo....i looked for in my wardrobe and i've found 4 pairs of B&L Ray Bans...ahahaha lol and so i started my new collection...someone sold them and someone bought them...

[@freddyhorowitz9134]

Nigel,that was very imformative.I learned a lot. You really know your B&L Raybans.Bravo my friend.

[@BLRayBanUK]

Thankyou mate. Glad I could help :)

[@freddyhorowitz9134]

BLRayBanUK , are you making any new videos soon.Cant wait.

[@BLRayBanUK]

@@eloutfi If you check my other videos I did a wayfarer age check

[@steveevanoff3393]

I have a pair of Aviators, 1980's with white etch Ray Ban but they also have initials RB on the other lens, very small cursive, neatly and the R and L go down diagonally, in other words L is to the right and lower with a slight overlap. Can't find info on that. Great video. Thanks

[@JohnnyMrHattersmith]

I wish more people took a nice tall drink out of the shut the fu-cup. Thank you either way for this info! Bought a pair of B&L Innerview sunglasses with these tips. Danke Schoen!

[@Juney117]

Fantastic, I've been able to identify my dads B15 TGM 😎

[@trevorbest-gn2dq]

Great informative video. Just one thing that I have a query with. In the video (at approx 8.15 ) you say that a BL etching on the lens indicates they were late 70's) the video shows a lens with tge BL etched just beside the hinge. I have a pair of aviators that has BL etched at the top of each lens. I am querying your late 70's date fir this edition as I obtained mine in Majorca in 1976. Theh must have been manufactured even earlier than this as they weren't new when I got them. They were at least a couple of years old when I got them. They are stamped 58 ■ 14 USA on the underside of the bridge bar.

[@kevinhay7421]

No mention of the photochromatic lenses? I have several pairs from the seventies that became darker when placed in direct sunlight.

[@GRAVYTheGrimRapper]

Yes!! Thats what i have! Do yours have a circle on the frame?

[@cragen604]

Thanks for the info :) Got a pair of ray bans that belonged to my now passed away grandfather. They have the BL etching and the white logo so must have bought them in the early 80s when working in South East Asia. Seems appropriate wearing them visiting Thailand, given that he might have used them when living down here :)

[@Glicksman1]

I have a pair of Ray Ban Aviator Shooters (circle bridge and thick brow sweat guard) from the late '70s. They have no logo, "BL" etching on the the lenses and tiny etching in the upper frame. Best sunglasses I've ever owned.

[@simianprince]

dude, your vids are kinda the best.

[@REVERENDJOSHGODDERS]

Best news I heard in ages, got given a pair of aviators from someone whos dad had them. Etched Ray Ban. Everyone told me earlier way now more convinced mid 80s based on condtion

[@crojackbojangles]

Thanks for this video, albeit i am still looking to identify my rayban glasses. Found them on a train 12 years ago, they have RB etched into both lenses and Ray Ban on the outside of one lens. They're B&L outdoorsman without a curled earpiece but I have no idea what year lol.

[@joycefromns]

Sorry to deliver possibly disappointing news, but if they have RB etched on the lenses they are Luxottica and not BL and therefore made sometime since 1999.

[@gordonbruks3878]

In Russia, "Ray-Ban General 50" costs $580. Quite a rare model and one of the most amazing!

[@frankyulloa21]

Very helpful. I just found my ol man’s glasses. No logo. So I’m assuming it’s late 50s to mid 70s. Unfortunately the gold is in fair condition. Would appreciate to see a restoration video

[@raylenesenke7504]

Oh watched more vidio my are late 40s great info your doing a great job

[@JoJoJoker]

A few notes: Ambermatics shift between 4 colors depending upon lighting and temperature. The BL etchings are horizontal on the older lenses.

[@mjrubio4259]

thank u so much for creating this imformative video Nigel! bravo

[@fazliemohammad]

very informative.. But you have any idea about the lenses come with BL vertical etching on both side?. It is BL etching like rotate 90 degree. What the age actually?

[@harrybo20007]

Great video I have a pair of round tortoise shell with real glass lenses and the frames are acetate with the ray ban signature in white in the top left of the left lens as u look at them, was wondering if anyone had a rough year I know it not later than 99

[@Eiramilah]

I got a pair today and didn't even see the etching until I saw this video. Mine are late 70's to 1999. They are much heavier than the newer ones. Thanks for the info! I noticed that the letters inside the arms are pressed in the plastic, not painted on: Left: L2009 VTAS WAYFARER Right: B & L RAY BAN U.S.A. Would you know a little more about the age?

[@vitellonealvapore877]

How can they be 70s to 99? If you would have listened, you’d know that no BL etching on the lens means late 50s-early 70s, BL etching means early 70s-84(86) and ray-ban logo + BL etching means 84(86)-99. L2009 is the specific model name while the letters mean basically nothing, just inventory/stock/batch. Also, it’s practically impossible to date any vintage ray-ban to a specific year, you can only find their period using the method in the video.

[@Doopye]

@@vitellonealvapore877 I have a wayfarer in 5024, it has RB etched on both lens, and B&L 5024 engraved on top but no specific model such as "L2009 XXXX" as mentioned above, any idea which specific year was this pair from? as I understand if the pair comes with RB etched on lens, it's between late 70s-99s but mostly the wayfarer has code engraved but mine doesn't, so I'm not quite sure.

[@DaveInOroValley]

I have a pair of the Bausch & Lomb "Ray-Ban" yellow shooting glasses a style I did not see in the video there are in a very smooth tan leather case and belonged initially to my deceased Father I used them to shoot competition for many years and they have gold wire as the ear pieces and ivory colored plastic bridge the wires below the bridge, one goes all the way across under the plastic and the other is an inverted "u" would be curious of their history since I cannot find anything online.

[@trendsetterz8297]

Which one is good for Driving purpose and best for eyes. Ambermatic RB3 or TGM?

[@fattonyrap]

Super helpful, thank you

[@joyperez156]

Can you make a review about the history for the place of BL etch (like the one right next to arms, the one on top of the lense & the sleeping BL etch) I’m really curious about the history behind the places of such BL etch.

[@meanboy2000]

I remember I bought a pair sometime in the 1990’s and I found them last night in a bag. I found it has the white “ray ban” on the right lens and BL on the left lens. Unfortunately, no paper work bit I have the bl case they came in. The lenses and frames are like néw. I wear the modern aviators but now I have another pair to wear. Edit: I found BL on both lenses as well as the white “ray ban” on the right lens.

[@TheTayedrums]

GOOD INFO BROTHER...THANKS ALOT ...MUCH LOVE AND PEACE

[@conbro0985]

1:10 bruh that caught me off guard😂😂😂

[@edmervlewis660]

Thanks for this!

[@dereckg4900]

Hehe, I’m here as well because I was at an estate sale of an old couple who had passed away. Along the boxes I found one of the no etching Bausch glasses from 1950s-1970s. If you identify them for me i’d greatly appreciate it.

[@GRAVYTheGrimRapper]

I was hoping to learn what era mine are from by washing your video. But you didn't have mine in your video. The B&L is at the top middle and there's a circle on the Bridge of the frame

[@indragading4289]

very good video and great information .....the best regard from Indonesia .... im a BL rayban user

[@bradetters5823]

I have a set of Gold Aviators that I purchased new in 1983. At some point in the mid 80's, one of the temples broke so I put them in the sock drawer or safe keeping. I would like to purchase another temple (s) and it appears that there are several part numbers for them, but I don't know what number I need. As you said in the other video on fake vs. real, there is no writing on the temple. How do I figure out what number I need?

[@fakundofrontera]

Hi there, i buy a vintage pair of ray ban b&l, the frame seems right but the crystals dont have any seals...Do you know if in some time in history they dont put any seals in the crystals? i have other pair that it have a water seal when i exhale over the crystals, it apear...Can u tell me? thanks

[@landrover971]

I love your videos... May I ask? Those glasses you used as example (Aviators first picture) May you give me more info about those?

[@WatchITPlayITDoIT]

You had me at “shut the fuck up” 😂

[@rmabgoi]

Hi. Can you pelase tell me what 'Ray Ban L.A.' means ? I have found a pair of brown 'Ray Ban L. A.' lenses for sale, but i can't find any information on the net. Thanks in advance.

[@BLRayBanUK]

Please send some pics to [e-mail] and I can have a look for you.

[@rmabgoi]

@@BLRayBanUK My mistake... It's L.A.

[@karaoke888]

Awesome video. So everything after 1999 is Luxottica right?

[@keith1168]

Hi nigel, are the photochromic lens like changing grey, blue and brown are fantasies lens?

[@LRS905]

Nice video. What would you think of a Wayfarer Ivory White which interestingly has the B&L etching in a horizontal orientation in each lens, rather than the usual vertical B&L etching? I purchased these and I am rather intrigued by this fact.

[@BLRayBanUK]

there is much debate about the significance of the position of the etch. Nothing is definitive however. It could be to do with age or it could be to do with location. Im of the opinion with 'sleeping BL' its location and could be a european version pair of sunglasses you have.

[@jamesdean8669]

Nice job!😊

[@marisolcastaneda2502]

Hello thanks for your info I get one rayban L1724 B&L in a market it says wayfarer they told me they are made of carey but I don't know if they are vintage

[@BLRayBanUK]

Yes L1724 is Wayfarer 2. This code is only applicable to vintage Ray-Ban

[@Greatest1979]

Those Outdoorsman RB 50 Mk1's @ 10:25 are the exact same ones George Michael used to wear during his 'Faith'-era.

[@minty448]

Greatest1979 you’re right,I have a pair and still wear them to this day! They are called the General.

[@jamesmurray3128]

Can you please do a video on the vintage Balorama frame. Thank you.

[@Buckload]

I have a RayBan with a BL logo imbedded in the glass but I am not certain of which year it was from, can you help me. its an aviator with a bullet hole. it has a black lens it's really dark, with a BL logo imbedded to it, I am not very certain which year was this from.

[@Apaleutos24]

My father's Ray Ban sunglasses Shooter has only the B&L etch on both lenses but no "Ray Ban" white logo as modern does. Also the B&L is not etched vertical like 8:14 but horizontal like the FANTASIES in 14:37. He bought them in 1982 from Saudi Arabia. Is it a earlier stock perhaps from 1970's or it was still viable to purchase a pair of sunglasses in 1982 with only BL etched and in horizontal position? Please let me know

[@takimok9930]

Hello bro i didn't find mine yet cause mine has 2 BL in each glass and it's black, on the box written Ray-Ban for DRIVING Bausch & Lomb can you help me please 🙏

[@jeffwallace221]

I have a pair of black aviator b&l ray bans I can't find the model number on. All the etchings and signatures are there. And on top it has b&l ray ban 62014 and b&l ray ban usa. Can you help me identify them?

[@BLRayBanUK]

Model L2821

[@jeffwallace221]

Thank you so much I was able to look them up. I dont see a year for its production. I'm assuming based off your video they are between 1982 and 1999

[@maidenraediongzon244]

Hello can you help me to check if this RayBan is original?

[@easycom5705]

How about large metal frame with sign Ray-Ban lM B&L USA is it genuine?

[@glenndavies5766]

I have an early '80s pair of Rayban aviators large frame. I am the original owner so there is no question they are real. What is a fair asking price?

[@carlalvinterryestrada3304]

Hey Nigel, great vid man! Just want to know if you already encoutered a Ray ban Outdoorsman Chromax on green lenses? I thought the Driving series is just the B15? Just wanna hear your thoughts.. Thanks!

[@chito091185]

Hi mate, im looking to buy some ray ban ambermatic, you mentioned they were not registered by ray ban until 1978...so in this case some will have no makings/etching? Thanks in advance

[@robertbeatty9563]

what about g15 lenses (known as aviator green) that were used for aviators to see against blue sky backgrounds?

[@ORGLASMUS]

Ambermatic lenses are NOT always orange. They're from the Changeables series, wich means they change to brown in warm sunlight, while they turn grey in cold conditions to block snow glare! like you said, get your information straight, folks ;)

[@BLRayBanUK]

Stromi420 They start as an orange lens.

[@larrysmith6797]

Great video! Now, repeat after me: Baaaausch and Lomb. Put that "a" in Bush! While you're at it, put an "o" in Lomb.

[@schreibsel9755]

Please can you help me, have the Aviator from the mid 1970 BL sign on the nose pads? Thanks

[@velvetgnr77]

Hello! I would like to know how I can identify the authenticity of a lens ... these belonged to a gentleman who died recently at the age of 90 years, the sunglasses are already old and damaged, I guess for the time, in addition, it has certain parts With a bit of rust, however, I noticed that the lens has engraved the initials BL (I guess from B & L) and on the bridge, at the top, you can see it saying something like "B & L ray ban usa" ... is it normal that over time, assuming that these are from the 80's, they can be oxidized and damaged?

[@BLRayBanUK]

Absolutely. Depends how the glasses are looked after.

[@danielmarques8904]

Very good content you are realy a expert and lover of the brand. Im seeing your video and i have a pair of aviators with BL etches on the top of the lenses not in the sides.Is it normal or rare to find ones like this?Are they from the late 70 to 1999? Thanks for the content

[@BLRayBanUK]

Rare but not ultra rare. You do find them about. Spot on.

[@kmgarcia30]

I found some vintage Ray Ban's today. Can I send you a photo? I would like to know more about them.

[@mariacoronado1392]

Looking for Michael Jackson look alike , are the wayfarers supposed to have a # like 5022 or maybe that's the aviator sunglasses he used...any tips??? Please

[@BLRayBanUK]

Yes. Wayfarer will have sizing code at the inside top of frame. 5022 or 5024 stamp.

[@JohnLeaf]

Master!

[@trendsetterz8297]

Good information

[@duncandonuts5268]

Are there any particular websites you recommend going to and are there certain years of Aviators you recommend over others?

[@Ndrew556]

Id recommend 1982-1999 RBs because they provide 100% uv protection, and they re easier to verify their authenticity

[@lennaertvanbree1263]

Hi Nigel,I,ve got a question........I,ve got a pair of Rayban O.D.M with the logo (B&L) on the top of both lenses, it,s on the left and right side under the sweatbar.Could you tell me from what year of manufacture that is? And is there a way to get the corrosion off the frame?Any handy tips are welcome.!B.T.W You shut call your series the ""The vintage Rayban education series"Well done, keep up the vintage good work.Greetings from the Netherlands.Lenn

[@BLRayBanUK]

Age wise is not an exact science with the etching on the top of the lens. Not enough definitive info out there to lock down an age. Would have to look at the whole pair to give you a rough date. Removing corrosion would be difficult unless you get it replated.

[@harshreviews3005]

Hey man I have a pair of vintage RB B&L GF anti glare aviators. I’m having a hard time dating them as the lenses are so old there is no b&l on the glass it sais ray-ban b&l GF that’s all it said on the top rail nothing under the nose rail. These are ancient been trying to date them accurately I’m guessing 1938? Can I send you some pics ?

[@rodrigoramirez8583]

I would like you to say the approximate price of the vintage, thanks!

[@RMBII91]

I've had no luck finding this out, but was wondering if anyone could tell me the approximate age of a pair of Aviators I have. On top of the bridge B&L Ray-Ban USA is etched on. The model code is L2823 VPAS (there is no RB3025 to be found anywhere on the frame unless I'm looking wrong). The model code is not etched in the arm, but embossed on the soft part at the end of the left arm that rests behind your ear. The left (or right if wearing them) lens does have the Ray-Ban logo, but I suspect these replaced an old lens and the frames themselves are old. But maybe that's just me hoping I found something "vintage". I would appreciate any help, not even Ray-Ban support knew what "VPAS" was but I assume they're outsourced support team isn't fully aware of these details or history. Thank you for any information.

[@BLRayBanUK]

1990s

[@RMBII91]

@@BLRayBanUK Awesome, I appreciate you and thank you for that quick response. You got a sub from me. So are the lens the originals too, even with the Ray-Ban logo? What do you think someone would be willing to pay for a 1990s pair?

[@RMBII91]

@@BLRayBanUK Was going to say $150-200? It has no original case.

[@ysfavoritemusic5734]

What year is the ambermatic outdoorsman lying etched BL?

[@adamtrigg6332]

What age are they when the BL is etched top middle of the lense.

[@nolanwebster1039]

Damn I hope my ray bans live to be 60+ years old

[@danieldumont9334]

my Rayban,s have a raised logo for the rayban name. i havent seen another pair quite like them. are the fake or more worthy?

[@BLRayBanUK]

sounds like you have a pair called 'masterpeice'

[@fred_albuquerque.mendes]

i got some ray bans with the bl logo on the lenses..but they are not on the side...they are on the top centre of each lense...are they legit? same late 70's to 99 glasses?

[@chaipod]

I have a vintage(1900-1999) Round Double Bridge Ray-Ban with the words W1345 UYAR on the tip of the ear piece. Can anyone explain it to me, thanks.

[@Anothermachine]

Ok, so much like you I have a low tolerance for lazy ebay turds who don't do the proper research and cut and paste other listing titles to intentionally scam or unknowingly spread incorrect info.....which is how/why I ended up here. In todays auction I managed to aquire two pair of vintage RB sunglasses that I either missed in the video or would love to get your opinion or advice on how you'd date them. Based on info provided in this video I am going to give my opinion that these are 1950-60 era G15 Aviators. Personally leaning towards later 50s for these reasons...they have arms instead of wire wrap arounds but the nose pieces appear to be bakelite or celluloid. The problem is I can't pin down if they are possibly WWll era for certain even though the clues all point in that direction including the estate owner,RIP serving in said war. Any help or ideas, advise you could give would be worth a subscription! 😊

[@johnbarker3146]

Hi nigel. Just bought a pair of ray bans marked 5916. Are these aviators ? If so do you know the model name please ?

[@BLRayBanUK]

john barker sound like modern ray bans John. However send me some pics to my email and ill have a look for you. [e-mail].

[@alltbetalt]

tanks for info.

[@vicsadventures675]

vERY INFORMATIVE. tHANK YOU

[@reinaldocaruso2729]

I have a question: there are B&L wayfarers with no model inscription at all? I have one, probably made before 1982. And, how could I say from what decade it is?

[@reinaldocaruso2729]

Thanks and well done. These are useful tips

[@gasaul5759]

I have the same problem, I have a pair of Wayfarer II but they don't have any model number

[@yacoub6983]

My grandad has a pair where the rayban signature is popping out its like 3d how old would that be or how much worth

[@BLRayBanUK]

Thats a model called Masterpiece. Mid 80s roughly. Depends which colour and condition of lens and frame. Anything from $125-$300

[@stephennacua9392]

Yes mind is 1970's thanks bro.. for the info.

[@anthonysmerdon44]

Hi, I have a question about my vinatge ray bans. They look completely authentic and vinatge but the issue is...it has no markings at all, not even ones suggesting it could be fake. Absolutely no markings, but everything else is legit looking for the glasses. I was wondering if its possible these have lost the markings over the years, I havent been able to find any fakes of these so I find it improbable I somehow got a fake pair. Help would be much appreciated:)

[@BLRayBanUK]

Hi. Send me some photos to [e-mail]