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This piece is part of the sold-out Optical Release 001.
American Optical
American Optical Smoke Keyhole Safety Frame / Driving Goggles — Acetate with Mesh Side Shields
Vintage · production decade not established
An American Optical frame in smoky translucent material, with a keyhole bridge, AO front emblems and metal mesh side shields. The mesh adds a second texture beside the smooth rims and makes the industrial construction visible from the side.
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Ask the Private Desk →The details
- Maker / origin
- American Optical
- Period
- Vintage · production decade not established
- Recorded details
- Size 46–20
- Collection number
- RGS–38
- Colour
- Smoky translucent
- Side shields
- Metal mesh
- Front fittings
- AO emblems
- Bridge
- Keyhole
- Lens appearance
- Clear
Mesh and translucent material
Metal mesh shields stand behind the outer front, contrasting with the smooth smoky-gray rims. The keyhole bridge and AO emblems retain the familiar appearance of an optical frame, while the side view makes the additional enclosure apparent. Clear lenses leave the construction easy to see. The combination of transparent material, exposed metal reinforcement and mesh gives this example its individual character.
Collector’s note
The frame is offered for its vintage design and collecting interest. The presence of historical side shields does not establish current protective certification.
Condition & presentation
The translucent front retains its AO emblems and metal mesh side shields. 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.
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.
