EAA Sport Aviation - November 2009

E A A ’ S attic
Eyes for the Skies

Protecting one’s eyes from wind, cold air, oil, and flying particles in the early days of aviation was challenging. Pilots often wore what was available—automobile and motorcycle goggles—but the glass lenses often shattered. As aviation grew, so did goggles offerings, with improvements in safety, comfort, visibility, and fashion.

The foldable goggles (center) are believed to be Resistal goggles circa 1919, manufactured by Strauss & Buegeleisen. The family of longtime aviator and EAA member Jim Barton donated them and the case to EAA after Jim’s passing in 1997.

E.B. Meyrowitz Inc. became famous after Charles Lindbergh wore a pair of its goggles during his nonstop trans-Atlantic flight in 1927. Shown below at right is

the Luxor “King of the Air” model with its sleek silver bullet case.

By 1945, military pilots strapped this standard Type B- 8 model (left) around their helmet and oxygen mask when needed. Manufactured by the Rochester Optical Manufacturing Co., these goggles came with interchangeable cellulose acetate-colored lenses, including amber to increase contrast on hazy, dull days and green to absorb muted sunshine and glare.

Vintage goggles, especially ones worn by notable pilots, have become high-end collectables. In early October 2009, the goggles Amelia Earhart wore during her 1932 solo trans-Atlantic flight fetched $141,600 at auction.