1972 Persol Sunglasses Belonging to Steve McQueen

1972 Persol sunglasses owned and worn by iconic actor Steve McQueen.

This actual pair belonged to Steve McQueen who was perhaps the greatest fan of Persol's 714 folding sunglasses as he was seen wearing them on screen and off in the days before product placement. The sunglasses come with an accompanying letter of authenticity from Bonhams.

Persol or 'per il sole' (Italian - 'for the sun') was founded by Giuseppe Ratti in 1917 to create sunglasses for sports drivers and pilots. Persol Sunglasses often feature their trademark silver arrow symbol.

Only one other pair of his 714's have ever been on the open market and they were sold by Bonhams in 2006 for $72,000.

Nick-named the 'King of Cool', McQueen starred in some of the most popular films from the 1960s and 1970s, including The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape and The Thomas Crown Affair.

Read our magazine profile on Steve McQueen here