View full sizeSelect a photograph to examine another view. Open full size for the finest details.
This piece is part of the sold-out Optical Release 001.
American Optical
American Optical AO Shield-Hinge Wellington — Tortoise
Circa 1950s–1960s · comparative attribution
An American Optical frame in a tortoise colourway, retaining the recorded AO front emblems and fitted with later green sun lenses. The mottled frame and green lenses create a warm, tonal combination.
Looking for something similar?
Ask the Private Desk →The details
- Maker / origin
- American Optical
- Period
- Circa 1950s–1960s · comparative attribution
- Recorded details
- Size 46–22
- Collection number
- RGS–28
- Descriptive family
- AO-Hinge Wellington
- Colour
- Brown tortoise
- Hinge ornament
- AO monogram fittings
- Bridge
- Keyhole
- Lenses
- Later green sun lenses
AO monogram fittings
The metal AO emblems at the outer front are integrated into the hinge area and provide the strongest visible maker detail. Around them, brown tortoise mottling gives the substantial rims a warmer appearance. The keyhole bridge opens above the nose and balances the gently squared lens shape. Green replacement sun lenses accentuate the brown material. A descriptive AO-hinge designation is more precise here than assigning an unverified factory model.
Collector’s note
The interlocking AO monogram fittings and keyhole Wellington form correspond to the family described by Japanese specialists as AO Hinge Wellington. The tortoise example in the linked archive shares these visible features, although its dimensions, original lenses and condition belong to that separate frame. The green lenses in this offering are later replacements.
Condition & presentation
Brown tortoise mottling and AO front emblems remain visible. Later green sun 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.
