Vintage eyewear has become a sought-after fashion statement, with collectors and enthusiasts alike drawn to its unique style and historical significance. However, the growing popularity of vintage eyewear has also led to a surge in counterfeit products. In this guide, we'll equip you with the knowledge to distinguish between authentic and fake vintage frames, ensuring you make informed purchases.
By deciphering authenticity through materials, markings and packaging, and recognizing the red flags of counterfeits, you can confidently navigate the vintage eyewear market. We’ll also discuss the nuances of deadstock frames, with reference to the collection we offer here at Ed & Sarna.
High Quality Glasses: Deciphering Authenticity
Materials & Construction
One of the first things to do to help you identify genuine vintage frames is to familiarise yourself with the materials and construction techniques that were commonly used in their production.
Materials that were frequently used to create vintage frames include:
- Acetate: These glasses should feel substantial, not flimsy, with a smooth and even texture. Colours are often rich and don’t fade easily.
- Metal: Look for precious metals, such as gold, silver or titanium. Such frames should have a substantial weightiness to them and feel well-balanced.
- Celluloid: Celluloid glasses tend to appear translucent and commonly used vibrant colours. They are lightweight, but should still be sturdy.
What really sets apart genuine vintage articles from , however, isn’t just the materials that are used, but the craftsmanship that goes into them. The large majority of vintage frames were handcrafted by skilled professionals, so you can expect their construction to be meticulous.
Markings & Logos
Logos and brand markings are one of the most essential elements to analyse when it comes to determining authenticity. Whilst identifying fakes was easier a few years ago, nowadays counterfeit products can be impressively hard to determine - especially as their makers have improved at replicating logos.
If you’re unsure whether a pair of frames is authentic or not, familiarise yourself with key features and details of the brand’s logo and markings - especially how they’re presented on their glasses, specifically. Take a look at these Brendel glasses, for example. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that there is branding on the small metal plate on the nose pads.
Make sure to also consider the era the glasses are supposedly from and how the logo looked during this time. Many modern Dior frames, for example, feature their more modern ‘CD’ emblem, whereby the ‘C’ and ‘D’ are coinjoined, with a slight gap at the top of the ‘C’ and the bottom of the ‘D’. Many of their vintage frames however, feature the original ‘CD’ monogram, whereby the letters were completely separate.
The Red Flags: Identifying Counterfeits
Unrealistic Prices
When it comes to identifying red flags associated with buying vintage glasses, price can be a key give away.
There’s a difference between a competitive price and an unrealistic price. If you’re purchasing a pair of vintage designer frames, for example, then you can expect these to be priced upwards of £100. If you see a pair of designer frames advertised as ‘genuine vintage’ for lower than £30, then, assume there’s a high chance that this price is too good to be true and be studious in your research before making a purchase.
Alternatively, if a pair of frames is incredibly expensive, yet not that exclusive nor in high demand, then this may also suggest they are fake frames simply being sold under false pretences by a money-grabber.
When it comes to other vintage glasses that aren’t necessarily from quite as prestigious or renowned brands, then price might not be as good an indicator. Instead, it’s best to consider some of the other factors.
Inconsistencies
Another thing to look out for is whether or not there are any inconsistencies between the advertised details of the eyewear and the product itself.
This can sometimes be harder to identify when it comes to online eyewear, as fake/stolen pictures can be used (so though the image is of genuine vintage frames, the actual product may be different). However a good way to decipher this is to see whether there are inconsistencies in the style of imagery across the site.
For example, if different glasses look like they’ve been photographed in different locations, different angles, different lighting and/or using different models, then this suggests the products may be counterfeit. Genuine sellers are more likely to have consistent and cohesive product imagery across their site.
As for looking at a pair of frames in person, then you’ll want to look out for a model number. This is a series of numbers that is often printed on the inside of the glasses arm, typically near the temple. They may be accompanied by letters and can be separated by spaces or dashes. If you’re looking at a pair of glasses that don’t have a model number, then there’s a high likelihood that they’re fake.
Tip: Don’t confuse the model number with the size of the glasses! Most vintage frames will include both, not just one or the other.
Poor Customer Service
Whilst there’s always a chance that customer service might be hit or miss wherever you shop, poor customer service might be an indicator that you’re being swindled. In particular, this could be the case if there is a lack of transparency and openness from the seller should you make an enquiry about a pair of glasses.
For example, if they are hesitant to tell you where they got them from and to answer your questions regarding their model number, materials and origin, then you may want to view this as a red flag.
Equally, if you reach out to customer service and get no response at all, then this is another red flag. A total lack of a response suggests that if you did purchase the glasses and wished to make a complaint or return them in the event that they are fake, then you likely wouldn’t receive a response in order to resolve the situation.
Here at Ed & Sarna, we value both our customers and the integrity of the frames we sell. That’s why we take our customer service one step further and offer free online consultations, whereby we can discuss your chosen pair of frames with you in more detail, allowing you a closer look at them before you commit to buying.
Vintage Designer Sunglasses & Glasses Frames
So, are you now feeling more prepared when it comes to hunting for genuine vintage frames? Whether you are or not, the task is made much easier by simply browsing our collection of vintage glasses and sunglasses frames here at Ed & Sarna.
We supply a range of genuine deadstock (aka new, old stock) frames that have never been worn, giving you the opportunity to own and wear a unique pair of glasses that you likely won’t see elsewhere!
Browse our collection today and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like further information on any of the frames we offer.
