Vintage B&L Ray-Ban USA Pre-Olympian Deluxe Gold Tortoise Sunglasses BL Lenses

Vintage Bausch & Lomb Ray-Ban USA “Pre-Olympian Deluxe” Gold & Tortoise Sunglasses w/ Original B&L G-15 Lenses & Case

Description 

• Manufacturer: Bausch & Lomb
• Model: “Pre-Olympian Deluxe” Hybrid Browline (Prototype Era)
• Era: Circa 1960–1962
• Origin: Made in USA
• Material: Combination frame — gold-plated top bar and temples with brown tortoiseshell acetate front
• Hardware: All original — hinges, screws, and plating remain intact
• Color: Honey Brown / Gold
• Markings: “B&L RAY-BAN U.S.A.” engraved inside temple
• Includes: Original Bausch & Lomb black embossed case (period-correct early 1960s edition)

This is an authentic early Bausch & Lomb hybrid — a predecessor to the Olympian II L1005 — hand-built in Rochester, New York. Its design bridged Ray-Ban’s optical precision with the stylistic experimentation that later defined the Deluxe and Olympian collections.

Size & Measurements

• Lens Width: 54mm
• Bridge Width: 18mm
• Temple Length: 140mm
• Lens Height: 45mm
• Frame Width: 140mm

Lens Section 

• Lenses: Original Bausch & Lomb G-15 mineral glass lenses
• Marking: “BL” etched on each lens
• Color: Classic neutral green (G-15) — true color transmission and glare reduction
• Condition: Excellent optical clarity; light hairline wear consistent with age, no cracks, chips, or delamination

Era & Relevance

Produced at the height of B&L’s U.S. optical craftsmanship, this model represents Ray-Ban’s design transition from function to form — before serial codes, before mass production, and before Luxottica ownership. Its hybrid construction and gold detail directly influenced later icons like the Olympian II and Clubmaster

Pieces from this short production window (1960–1962) were built in small quantities and are considered the earliest generation of Ray-Ban Deluxe frames.

Condition

• Excellent vintage condition for its age
• All original hardware and plating present
• Light even patina to gold consistent with six-decade age
• Acetate retains strong color, gloss, and structure
• Hinges function smoothly and securely
• Original B&L G-15 lenses present and matching

Collector’s Note

This piece remains fully wearable but is best suited for collectors or archival preservation due to its rarity and historical significance.

Frames from this era were hand-fitted and not designed for repeated adjustment; if a collector intends to wear them, we recommend professional optical fitting to preserve structural integrity.

With the original B&L embossed case and factory lenses intact, this set is a collector-grade example worthy of preservation.

Authenticity & Service

100% Authentic!

Inspected and verified by Second Chance Eyewear.

FRAMES CAN BE ADJUSTED TO FIT ANY SIZE FACE.

If the original case is not provided, YOUR CHOICE OF 4 soft, sleek, secure cases will be included (pictured).

The pictures tell the story!

NO STOCK PHOTOS USED.

Please feel free to ask us any questions.

We strive to provide white-glove service and ensure your satisfaction.