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This piece is part of the sold-out Optical Release 001.
American Optical
American Optical AO Shield-Hinge Wellington — Chocolate
Vintage · production decade not established
An American Optical frame in deep chocolate, with recorded AO front emblems and later clear lenses. The dark, even colour gives the front a more restrained appearance than the tortoise example in this collection.
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- Maker / origin
- American Optical
- Period
- Vintage · production decade not established
- Recorded details
- Size 46–22
- Collection number
- RGS–29
- Descriptive family
- AO-Hinge Wellington
- Colour
- Deep chocolate brown
- Hinge ornament
- AO monogram fittings
- Bridge
- Keyhole
- Lenses
- Later clear lenses
Chocolate colourway
The front reads almost black in its deepest passages, with a brown tone appearing where the material catches light. AO monogram fittings at the corners break up the otherwise dark surface. A keyhole bridge and rounded lower corners give the frame an open optical profile, while clear replacement lenses keep the rim contour visible. The chocolate description concerns this example’s colour; it does not imply a documented production quantity.
Collector’s note
The AO monogram hinge fittings and keyhole front place this example in the descriptive AO-Hinge Wellington family. Its deep chocolate colour gives the same construction a quieter appearance than a mottled tortoise frame. The maker and visible hinge design are identified; a precise production year and factory colour code remain unconfirmed.
Condition & presentation
Deep chocolate-coloured rims with AO front emblems. Later clear lenses are fitted. Please refer to the photographs for surface detail; additional close-ups are available. No case is included.
Restoration is carried out with intention by third-party specialists on an as-needed basis, preserving original features and markings as fully as possible. Individual condition notes describe the visible state and any specifically recorded changes.
Related examples & research
Comparative references inform model history and period attribution. They describe other examples, with their own sizes, markings and condition.
Optical Release 001 is complete and every frame has found a home. This page remains as part of the Society's permanent catalogue record. Looking for a related frame? Leave an acquisition alert.
