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
Viewing
Viewing of all lots is via appointment at our offices:
Flints Auctions Ltd
8 Rivemead
Pipers Way
Thatcham
RG19 4EP
Please contact our offices at +44 (0)1635 873634