Oakley Blades, Iridium Lens, Trigger Arms?

[elecTrostatix]

I have kept these Oakley Sunglasses since at least around 1995. That's the last time I remember having them. I can't remember how long I had the original pair. But I think I had to warranty them and Oakley replaced the original pair with this pair.

The only writing on them is this on the temple of the trigger arm: "Pat No. D293.450"
I don't have any of the accessories or boxes.
From the little research I have done, this is what I think I have. But I would like confirmation as well as any additional details like year manufactured and what you think the value is.

Arms: Trigger Style
Color of Frame/Arms/Nose Piece: Black
Model: Blades (I think)
Lens: Plutonite Iridium (I think)

 

[OldSchoolLurker]

Blades

O-Review Database Model Listing for: Blades

www.o-review.com

This link has all of the official colorways and yours doesn’t look like one of them. You are mostly accurate with your research, the only thing off is the lens. “Plutonite” is what the lens material was called during that era, and for a long time after that. “Iridium” refers to the mirrored quality of the lens. So you aren’t wrong, this is a plutonite lens with an iridium finish, the question is what color iridium. The official colorways are black/violet iridium, and black/orange iridium. This definitely isn’t violet and I don’t believe it is orange either. This looks closer to +Red iridium in my opnion. My guess is that is an unofficial colorway or it was all they had available for warranty claims at that time since the blade lenses/frames were out of production in 95.

 

[elecTrostatix]

Blades

O-Review Database Model Listing for: Blades

www.o-review.com

This link has all of the official colorways and yours doesn’t look like one of them. You are mostly accurate with your research, the only thing off is the lens. “Plutonite” is what the lens material was called during that era, and for a long time after that. “Iridium” refers to the mirrored quality of the lens. So you aren’t wrong, this is a plutonite lens with an iridium finish, the question is what color iridium. The official colorways are black/violet iridium, and black/orange iridium. This definitely isn’t violet and I don’t believe it is orange either. This looks closer to +Red iridium in my opnion. My guess is that is an unofficial colorway or it was all they had available for warranty claims at that time since the blade lenses/frames were out of production in 95.

Thank you for the response. II would love to wear them, but I'm worried about wearing them, since the arms might break. What do you think I could get for them if I were to try selling them. I've seen Blades like these on eBay for around $120-$180, I don't have the box or any other accessories.
thanks!

 

[OldSchoolLurker]

I would guess $150-200, but I’m by no means an expert with the current blade market. They appear to be in great shape, it’s just a matter of finding someone that collects them.

 

[elecTrostatix]

I would guess $150-200, but I’m by no means an expert with the current blade market. They appear to be in great shape, it’s just a matter of finding someone that collects them.

Thank you!

 

[petrolpig42]

Hey,

ive got a pair of blades in white with the black plutonite lens from around 1990 and the plastic on the left trigger arm is broken at the hinge, would anyone know where I could find replacement trigger arms (preferably in white) and possibly a new frame? Im trying to find something below the $140 usd the kit is being sold for on ebay. Im in Australia.

Thanks