X-Ray Specs

Hilarious Optical Illusion!

This is probably the most recognized advertisement for a novelty item ever published. X-Ray Specs are supposed to allow the user to see through or into solid objects. In reality, the glasses merely create an optical illusion – no X-rays are involved at all.

X-Ray Specs

X-Ray Specs were long advertised with the slogan “See the bones in your hand, see through clothes!”. This version of the advertisement features an illustration of a young man using the X-Ray Specs while gazing at a voluptuous (but fully-dressed) woman in the background, as though he is actually viewing through her clothing.

X-Ray Specs 3

The claim is untrue, of course; besides the unlikelihood of a safe and functional X-ray device selling for about a dollar, X-ray detectors require an X-ray source.

Discover more from Eric Hatheway

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Author: Dirque du Soleil

He's from the past so he's knows the future. Dirque du Soleil hails from the San Fernando Valley in Southern California where he was raised by hippie acrobats who eventually left him to join a French circus. After his parents left, Dirque survived by appearing in several “off-the-lot” film productions and by giving Hustle lessons at the local discotheque. Even though he was never on Love Boat, he has served as a consultant for many 70s revival television shows over the years.