Willson Safety Glasses Value Guide

These antique Willson Safety Glasses represent a pivotal era in industrial protection, manufactured by the Willson Goggles Company of Reading, Pennsylvania. Highly collectible for their steampunk aesthetic, these spectacles feature distinctive folding perforated metal side shields and flexible cable temples designed for rigorous factory use.

What Is Willson Safety Glasses Worth?

The typical price range for Willson Safety Glasses is $75 - $82 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the perforated side shields, as these are often bent or missing on lower-value pairs.
• Clarity and integrity of the original glass lenses, with a premium placed on examples free of heavy pitting or cracks.
• The presence of an original metal or leather Willson-branded protective case can increase the $75-$82 market value.
• Overall finish quality, specifically the amount of original nickel plating remaining on the brass frame.

How to Identify Willson Safety Glasses?

• Look for the 'Willson' brand name stamped into the bridge or the nickel-plated brass frame components.
• Verify the presence of authentic perforated metal side shields that fold inward toward the round glass lenses.
• Check for the signature flexible cable temples, which were designed to wrap securely around the wearer's ears.
• Confirm the materials are period-correct, specifically nickel-plated brass or steel rather than modern alloys.

History of Willson Safety Glasses

Produced by the Willson Goggles Company of Reading, Pennsylvania, these spectacles were vital industrial safety equipment in the early 20th century. Established in 1871, Willson was a pioneer in eye protection, eventually supplying specialized eyewear for industrial workers, aviators, and military personnel during World War I and World War II.