CASH IN THE ATTIC: How vintage sunglasses can be a shrewd investment, with the pair Steve McQueen wore bagging £36,600
Steve McQueen turned the '714' foldable shades by Persol into an instant collectable after sporting them in 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair, above
Every week we give the low-down on the value of forgotten treasures that may be gathering dust at home...
Vintage sunglasses are not only a cool accessory to wear this summer – but can also be a shrewd investment.
Ray-Bans have a timeless appeal connected with celebrity status.
Designs such as the 'Wayfarer 2140' introduced in 1952 were worn by movie legends such as Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe.
Today, such 1950s vintage pairs cost £800.
The first Ray-Ban model was the 'Aviator 3025' that came out in 1937.
Once favoured by US fighter pilots, these frames are now worn by film stars, helping to push the value of old Aviators up to £400.
One of the coolest screen legends was actor Steve McQueen – and he turned the '714' foldable shades by Persol into an instant collectable after sporting them in 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair, above.
Discover an undamaged vintage pair of these Persols and you have a £1,000 investment. Bonhams sold the original blue-tinted Persol 714s worn by McQueen in the film for £36,600 in 2006.
Other makers to keep an eye out for include Alpina, Alain Mikli, Armani, Cartier and Robert La Roche. Examples of their early shades with original case can sell for at least £300.
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