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 comfy t-shirt is made of 100% ringspun cotton (except for the heather grey color, which is 10% polyester). It runs true to size, and comes pre-laundered from the manufacturer to prevent shrinkage.
