In 1963, a mail-order novelty item known as X-Ray Spex® was introduced, forever leaving its mark on the toy and novelty industry. Designed to create an optical illusion, these glasses claimed to offer the ability to see through objects, presenting a novel and playful concept. The brainchild of Harold von Braunhut, the inventor also renowned for Sea-Monkeys® (brine shrimp), X-Ray Spex® became a captivating addition to his repertoire.
Marketed through comic book ads and Johnson Smith catalogs, the X-Ray Spex® quickly garnered attention, captivating audiences with the tantalizing prospect of glimpsing bones beneath skin and peering through clothing. This "blushingly funny illusion" resonated with the curious minds of the time, propelling the glasses into the realm of iconic novelties.
The X-Ray Spex® were ingeniously constructed with plastic eyeglass frames and cardboard lenses. These lenses featured red concentric circles punctuated with holes that held a unique secret – Guinea feathers. The feathers, an unexpected addition, served as the crux of the illusion. When looking through the feathers' barbs, the eyes would refocus and distort the view, creating the illusion of X-Ray vision. This clever interplay of optics amused and fascinated users, providing a glimpse into a world of playful deception.
Henri LaMothe's illustrations adorned the packaging of X-Ray Spex®, enhancing their mystique and promising an experience beyond the ordinary. The success of X-Ray Spex® proved pivotal, funding research endeavors aimed at enhancing the formulas for Sea-Monkeys®, von Braunhut's previous creation. This demonstrated his commitment to both entertainment and quality, shaping the legacy of his inventions.
The triumph of X-Ray Spex® spawned a series of novelty glasses, each designed to offer a unique visual twist. Among these creations were Hypno-Spex®, Sea-Vue Spex®, Aqua-Spex®, and Stereo TV 3D Spex®, further solidifying von Braunhut's reputation as an innovator in the world of visual amusement. The ripple effect of X-Ray Spex's® success expanded the boundaries of novelty and continued to delight generations.
The cultural impact of X-Ray Spex® was undeniable, as evidenced by its prominent feature on the cover of the "Mail-Order Mysteries" book. This recognition underscored the glasses' enduring influence on the realm of mail-order novelties, etching them into the annals of pop culture history.
As time marched forward, the charm of X-Ray Spex® remained undiminished. In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, these glasses stood as a testament to the enduring allure of simple yet engaging illusions. Six decades since their debut, X-Ray Spex® continue to evoke nostalgia and wonder, offering a timeless reminder of the joy that can be found in the imaginative world of novelty and illusion.
