9th Oct, 2024 11:00

The Fine Collectors Sale

 
Lot 15
 

Second World War Red Lens Anti-Aircraft Gunner’s Goggles

by Welsh, Philadelphia America, plated metal, with large, circular red lenses, bridge stamped ‘WELSH’, folding fine wire mesh side protectors/visors and reversible coil spring temples with synthetic protective cover

Note: Red lenses apparently helped anti-aircraft gunners see the contrast between the sky and the course of machine gun tracer shells being fired at the enemy. Marketing from other makers of these goggles, Rochester Optical, also stated red lenses dilate pupils more quickly, allowing for more rapid adaptation to darkness.

Provenance: from the estate of Wilf Lunn (1942–2023)who was a British inventor, Collector of all things curious and unusual, prop maker, and television presenter, best known for his work on children's TV shows such as Vision On and Jigsaw. Born in Rastrick, West Yorkshire, Lunn was raised by deaf parents and later taught lip-reading. His creative flair for quirky inventions and novelty bicycles earned him a devoted following. Lunn's eccentric persona made him a beloved figure on British TV in the 1960s and 1970s. In addition to his TV career, he authored several books and showcased his inventive spirit through stage shows. He passed away in December 2023.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilf_Lunn

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0526767/

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2023/12/20/wilf-lunn-madcap-inventor-tricycles-vision-on-deaf/

Sold for £150

Result plus buyers premium


 

by Welsh, Philadelphia America, plated metal, with large, circular red lenses, bridge stamped ‘WELSH’, folding fine wire mesh side protectors/visors and reversible coil spring temples with synthetic protective cover

Note: Red lenses apparently helped anti-aircraft gunners see the contrast between the sky and the course of machine gun tracer shells being fired at the enemy. Marketing from other makers of these goggles, Rochester Optical, also stated red lenses dilate pupils more quickly, allowing for more rapid adaptation to darkness.

Provenance: from the estate of Wilf Lunn (1942–2023)who was a British inventor, Collector of all things curious and unusual, prop maker, and television presenter, best known for his work on children's TV shows such as Vision On and Jigsaw. Born in Rastrick, West Yorkshire, Lunn was raised by deaf parents and later taught lip-reading. His creative flair for quirky inventions and novelty bicycles earned him a devoted following. Lunn's eccentric persona made him a beloved figure on British TV in the 1960s and 1970s. In addition to his TV career, he authored several books and showcased his inventive spirit through stage shows. He passed away in December 2023.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilf_Lunn

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0526767/

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2023/12/20/wilf-lunn-madcap-inventor-tricycles-vision-on-deaf/

Auction: The Fine Collectors Sale, 9th Oct, 2024

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