Rising Sun

Mike told a great story today about his score at a Long Beach, CA swap meet that took place this past weekend. To tell it in his own words:

We all know the feeling of going to a swap meet or flee market and having high hopes of finding a treasure that the other person doesn’t know much about and being able to score it for a song. The day at Long Beach was that day for me. Having wandered around all afternoon and feeling depressed about not seeing anything worth buying I happened upon a gentleman who was selling his wares in a corner. I noticed the sunglasses he was sporting were quite unusual and we quickly struck up a conversation about them.

After hearing that he bought them from an estate sale and it was the only pair he had I worked up the courage to ask him if he wanted to sell them. Since he was wearing them I prepared myself for refusal but he answered with a question of his own. How much do you want to pay for them?, he asked. I paused for a few moments and shot a number that would mean a boon for me but not so low as to insult him. I was sure to keep it low enough so as not to give away its value. He replied with shock at how much I was willing to fork over. The deal was quickly made and he even had the original case.

He disappeared in his van for a few moments and than reappeared with a gorgeous leather case with authentic patina and the original markings. What I managed to score is the most beautiful and original W.W.II AO American Optical Government issued Aviator Glasses. This pair is absolutely mint with graceful lines and original green lenses. One could say it is in almost brand new condition. To me these are the ones, the ideal eye wear for the guy who wants to look period perfect.

In the end we both went home happy.