Artificial Glass Eyes Longsleeve Shirt

This beautiful 1880s logo work advertises A.L. Ellis & Co., the Pawtucket, Rhode Island importers of artificial glass eyes for taxidermists, jewelers, and presumably people who were missing eyes.

In the early 1900s, glass eyes were a booming business and the finest among them were handmade in Germany. American importers faced a hefty 60% import duty, however, so a grifter named Bruno Schulze made the smuggling of glass eyes his specialty for over a decade. He's estimated to have smuggled about 100,000 eyes and raked in profits that would amount to about $21.6 million in today's dollars.

Why are we telling you this story? Because when he was arrested a local newspaper published a story which protested, "But He's Handsome and Distinguished Looking"! Just like you'll be in this t-shirt.

If you're not into glass eyes yourself, this is a terrific gift for prosthetists, ocularists, taxidermists, fans of medical history, oddities collectors, and people who just really love Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

This longsleeve tee is 100% cotton, with a seamless ribbed collar and tear-away label. The fit is comfortable, and the long sleeves are great for covering up those mysterious glowing tattoos that appeared on your arms last night, right after that weird old guy told you you were the 'chosen one.'