Dunhill Model 6109 Col. 49 Sunglasses

 1893, London, Alfred Dunhill inherits his father's Livery and Saddlery firm during an industrial revolution that would find such manufactories obsolete and niche. A smart man, adapting to the evolution of the times, Dunhill began developing affectations of automobiles. In doing so, it afforded him the ability to continue the company with the introduction of  “Dunhill's Motorities”. A collection composed of driving coats, car horns, headlamps, rumble-seat picnic baskets, time-pieces, and... eyewear. Goggles, specifically the Dunhill eyewear as a line wouldn't find ground for another few decades. Yet, the DNA began at the turn of the 20^th century. These products had inspiration to open stores in Mayfair as well as mail-order catalogs.

Of course, as motoring continued to evolve, so did Dunhill. In 1904, Dunhill created the first “Windshield Pipe” which was device for a driver in the open air designs of cars of the period. Yet, in 1907, with the advent of this pipe three years prior, Dunhill pipes was developed. Opening a Tobacconist on Duke street, Dunhill as a smoking and smoking appurtenances manufacturer began releasing lighters, pipes, tobacco, and cigarettes, eventually.

The company of Dunhill is a symbol of growing success that found the company diversifying into other ranges of business. Pens, lighters, golf clubs, cigarettes... and, then at the hands of his kin, fashion.

Sunglasses, specifically, in the 1980s, Alfred Dunhill, Ltd was licensed by Optyl out of Austria to manufacture and distribute eyewear, sun and ophthalmological. 1981, and well into the 1990s, Dunhill was producing eyewear through Optyl at a phenomenal rate- A caliber and prestige that was carried throughout the preceding 120 years, from London.

A gentleman's label, marking quality and panache, Dunhill is synonymous with value, refinement, and quality.

An aviator made for high society, the Dunhill Model 6109 was made in Austria of fine materials. This design was made to exhibit the expensive materials that the British brand is known for, including 18k gold-plated rhodanized metal with the distinctive "Dunhill" marque at the temples. Col. 49 indicates that these gold frames have piano black inserts in the temples and bridge, lending a tasteful pattern to these vintage frames.