By Eric Pettifor
Remember those wonderful glasses from the ’50s with the plastic browline and the metal under-rim? If not from your actual life, then from the movies? They’re the classic glasses of both the G-man (“government man,” FBI) and Malcolm X, and all kinds of other people from all walks of life. 
They were hugely popular in their day.
So whatever happened to them? Today it seems that when people are looking for retro-frames they go for the full plastic Buddy Holly type ones, with very few choosing the much classier browline.
It might even surprise you to learn that the company which invented this style, Shuron, is still very much alive and in business, and, blessedly, still producing these sorts of frames. I had a very good experience with them.
I bought a pair of Shuron Ronsir Zyl frames, black briar with the Aztec sides, from an online retailer. When I got them it was love at first sight. I even bought some clip on shades directly from Shuron. However, the Aztec sides caused irritation on my right temple.
I called Shuron up to order a different style side, the Relaxo Cable. The pleasant fellow on the phone suggested plastic sleeves for the wire around the ear. When they arrived I noticed there was no charge, though he had quoted a price around $50 for the order.
The irritation healed a bit while I was waiting for the order to arrive, and I bent the Aztecs into a shape more accommodating of my massive skull. So I will keep the Relaxos as spares. The sleeves for the wire have become a permanent part of the Aztec sides, definitely a plus for comfort.
Though Shuron doesn’t appear to sell online, call their 800 number and order by credit card. Their prices are good and so is their service.
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