Marilyn Monroe's Owned & Worn Persol Prescription Sunglasses From the Joe Franklin Collection W/LOA - These Persol tortoise shell sunglasses were owned and worn by iconic American actress, Marilyn Monroe. The sunglasses have prescription lenses and read "Persol", "50 17" and "842" on the inside arm. These glasses were acquired from Joe Franklin, the legendary American radio and television host personality, author and actor, whose show featured famous guests such as Andy Warhol, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Salvador Dali, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, and countless others. Franklin had a love of collecting momentos from his guests, and would ask each guest to leave him a personal item, many of which would oblige. The sunglasses come with a signed letter of authenticity from Franklin and a signed invoice for the original purchase from Franklin stamped "Paid". According to Franklin's letter, he first met Marilyn on a radio program in 1953 and the two shared a cup of coffee after privately where he asked her about writing a book about her with her. They spent two weeks together during which Marilyn gave Franklin these glasses along with one of her dresses and some jewelry. PLEASE NOTE, PRE-AUCTION SALES: GWS reserves the right to sell any Lot(s) through a negotiated transaction at any time prior to the conclusion of the auction. If a Lot is sold through a negotiated transaction, it will be withdrawn from the auction. All pre-auction purchases will receive free, overnight, insured shipping. Please email gwsauctions@gmail.com to submit a pre-auction offer.