USN Variable Density Goggles?

[AndrewA74]

Hi,

My Mom gave me these a while back, and we found them in PA. I thought at first they were junk, but I looked closer and decided to keep them. . They are a USN contract number from WWII, but I can't figure out thier purpose (other than variable density). The knob in the center turns it from amber to red. I read about AA gunners using them at night? I don't have much of an idea, on thier worth, rarity, use, etc. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

The completely clueless,

Andrew

 

PS: You can't see, but they are marked polariod on the front of the goggles.

[Bob Hudson]

The contact number is from April 1943. As I noted in another thread back in August, I've got a pair that was used by the Navy and just one side is variable. They work on the same principle as a polarizing lens on a camera: there are two polarized lenses and when you rotate one it varies the lighting coming through the goggles. I've always assumed they were used by gunners to help when aiming into the sun. Polarized lens will not only only things, but also increase contrast so you could, for instance, more easily see a plane against the sky or clouds.

 

These were also used during atomic bombs tests. There was a pair that sold on ebay for $68 but I think $30 is more common.

[AndrewA74]

The contact number is from April 1943. As I noted in another thread back in August, I've got a pair that was used by the Navy and just one side is variable. They work on the same principle as a polarizing lens on a camera: there are two polarized lenses and when you rotate one it varies the lighting coming through the goggles. I've always assumed they were used by gunners to help when aiming into the sun. Polarized lens will not only only things, but also increase contrast so you could, for instance, more easily see a plane against the sky or clouds.

 

These were also used during atomic bombs tests. There was a pair that sold on ebay for $68 but I think $30 is more common.

Thanks for the info.

Andrew