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This piece is part of the sold-out Optical Release 001.
American Optical
American Optical True Color CAN 77 T — Tortoise Acetate
Vintage · production decade not established
An American Optical frame in mottled tortoise, with a squared Wellington front and paired circular rivets at the outer corners. Pale lenses reveal the depth of the brown and amber material. The inventory records the temple code CAN 77 T.
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- Maker / origin
- American Optical
- Period
- Vintage · production decade not established
- Recorded details
- Size 56–18
- Collection number
- RGS–08
- Front
- Tortoise Wellington
- Rivets
- Paired round front rivets
- Recorded temple code
- CAN 77 T
- Factory model
- Not established
Details of the front
Two small round metal rivets at each outer corner distinguish this front from AO examples with monogram hinge emblems. The upper rim is broad and nearly level, the lower corners softly rounded. Brown-and-amber tortoise mottling remains visible through the translucent material. The pale lenses let the outline of the rims read clearly. The recorded CAN 77 T inscription is retained separately from the descriptive title.
Collector’s note
Previously described as True Color in the inventory. That wording has not been established as the factory frame model, so this example is catalogued by its maker and visible construction.
Condition & presentation
The mottled tortoise pattern and paired front rivets remain distinct. Pale 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.
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.
