MUSEUM RARE 1930s Tubascope Motoring Sunglasses Antique Celluloid Driving Glasses Art Deco Aviator Eyewear Historic Auto Collectible

An Extraordinary Find for the Serious Collector: The 1930s Tubascope Driving Spectacles.

You are looking at an exceptionally rare piece of automotive design history. Long before modern anti-glare windshields or polarized film existed, early motorists faced a perilous problem: blinding overhead sun and the dangerous glare of oncoming headlights on unlit rural roads.

Enter the Tubascope. Manufactured from early cream celluloid, these avant-garde glasses feature a revolutionary split-lens design.

How They Worked on the Road:
These were not meant to be looked through like standard sunglasses. Instead, they functioned as an adjustable, wearable visor system for the driver:

Blocking Glare: When driving into direct overhead sunlight or facing blinding high beams from an oncoming car, the motorist would slightly tilt their head downward. This aligned the dark green upper "awning" or visor directly with the source of the blinding light.

Clear Road View: Because the bottom half of the frame is completely open (the clear semi-circle cutouts), the driver maintained a perfectly clear, unobstructed view of the dark roadway and the dashboard gauges below the glare line.

Because they were an eccentric, ahead-of-their-time safety experiment, very few were ever produced, and even fewer survived the decades without the fragile celluloid cracking or warping. Finding a pair in this stable, beautiful condition is an absolute anomaly.

Whether you are a museum curator, a high-end eyewear collector, a historic car enthusiast, or an avant-garde fashion archivist, you know how seldom true design anomalies like this surface on the open market. This isn't just eyewear; it is a conversation-starting artifact from the golden age of motoring.

Measurements & Specs:
Era: c. 1920s / 1930s
Material: Early translucent cream celluloid frame; integrated split-visor glare shields
Condition: Beautiful vintage condition. Frame is stable, celluloid retains its gorgeous color, and hinges are functional. (Please review photos for exact vintage character).

All items are sold as-is. We do not offer warranties or guarantees of any kind, either expressed or implied. Our inventory is sourced from estate sales and auctions. Each item is carefully inspected prior to being offered for sale. We make every effort to provide accurate descriptions, clear photographs, and—when possible—information regarding maker, age, and dimensions. Please review all photos carefully and conduct your own research prior to purchase. Please Note: As a vintage item, some minor wear may be expected. We photograph all items carefully to show their condition accurately. Please review all photos and feel free to ask any questions before purchasing. We strive to disclose any noticeable imperfections; however, vintage and pre-owned items will naturally show signs of age and use, which are part of their character and history. If you have any questions or would like additional details, please ask before purchasing. All sales are final. We do not accept returns. If an issue arises during shipping, please contact us promptly and we will do our best to assist. We photograph all items carefully before packing and how they are packed in the event of a freight damage claim.