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This piece is part of the sold-out Optical Release 001.
American Optical
American Optical Sirmont “Malcolm X” Frame — White Gold-Filled
Mid-century · model introduced in the 1950s
An American Optical Sirmont combining sculpted upper brows with white-tone gold-filled eyewires and bridge. The heavier upper line gives definition to the face, while the fine lower rims keep the construction visually light.
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Ask the Private Desk →The details
- Maker / origin
- American Optical
- Period
- Mid-century · model introduced in the 1950s
- Recorded details
- Size 48–24
- Collection number
- RGS–03
- Front
- Black browline over fine metal eyewires
- Bridge and lower rims
- White-tone; catalogued as gold-filled
- Lens colour
- Green
- Endpieces
- Shield-like AO ornaments
The browline construction
Dense black upper brows sit over slender metal lower rims, making the frame read as two materials working together. Small shield-like ornaments punctuate the endpieces, while the bridge carries a finer linear texture. Green lenses reinforce the contrast between the dark upper line and light metalwork. American Optical dates the Sirmont model’s introduction to the early 1950s; that design history provides context without fixing the production year of this particular frame.
Collector’s note
Its interest is in that balance of materials: a pronounced brow supported by restrained metalwork and period AO hardware.
In cultural history
American Optical identifies the Sirmont as a model worn by both Malcolm X and President Lyndon B. Johnson. Its account of Malcolm X’s eyewear includes historical photographs and describes his use of Sirmont frames in different colours. The strong upper brow and light metal lower rim became part of an instantly recognisable public image. This is a model association, not celebrity provenance for the frame offered here.
Condition & presentation
The black brow sections retain a defined outline; the white-tone rims and decorative bridge present cleanly in the photographs. 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.
