TheRare GoodSociety19 original photographs, untouched. 4 measurement images. Select a view, then open it to inspect every detail.
Special dropOne original frame
American OpticalJaguar.
1960s · Claro Brown · All Zyl
A bold silhouette.
A remarkable survivor.
Rare original American eyewear, sculpted in translucent Claro Brown Zyl. Distinctive metal front ornaments. Hand-engraved temple cores. The kind of detail that rewards a closer look.
- Lens
- 46 mm
- Bridge
- 23 mm
- Temples
- 5¾ in
01 / The object
Light reveals
the workmanship.
A rare original American Optical Jaguar eyeglass frame from the 1960s era, with the sculpted form and considered metalwork that distinguish this design among vintage American eyewear. The translucent Claro Brown colourway Zyl reveals warm amber and olive tones as the light changes, giving depth to the substantial front and shaped temples.
The frame retains the Jaguar’s distinctive metal front ornaments, sculpted bridge and visible metal temple cores. The surviving American Optical marking is shown in close-up. Its form and construction correspond to American Optical’s period Jaguar catalog entry for the all-Zyl RF8559 frame.
Engraving beneath the surface.
The temples match the catalog’s RF59 option: Zyl temples with a hand-engraved core and mitre joint. The engraved metal cores can be seen through the translucent material, and the temple marking reads 5 3/4 inches (approximately 146 mm), a length listed for the RF59 in the catalog. These details are an important part of the frame’s appeal as a collectible example of American Optical design.
02 / The history
A frame with
a literary life.
American Optical places the Jaguar in the 1960s and identifies John Updike among its notable wearers.
That association gives the design a place in the visual history of American letters: substantial acetate, expressive front details and an unmistakably mid-century profile.
Seen beside the period catalogue, the portrait offers context for an era in which eyewear became an especially personal part of a writer’s public image. The object offered here carries its own visible evidence—the AO marking, sculpted construction and engraved temple cores.
The Updike connection concerns the model. No ownership, endorsement or provenance connection to John Updike is claimed for this particular frame.
Read American Optical’s Jaguar history03 / The catalogue
The original
design language.
“The new forward-looking style.”
American Optical · period Jaguar catalogue
The period sheet names the all-Zyl front as RF8559 and distinguishes the temple choices. The RF59 entry specifies Zyl, a hand-engraved core and a mitre joint; it also lists Claro Brown and the 5¾-inch temple length.
These are useful points of comparison with the actual frame. The catalogue’s size table includes the 46–23 combination, matching the lens and bridge measurements recorded for this example.
Open the complete catalogue reference
Archival material; not a photograph of the offered frame.
04 / The particulars
Examined closely.
Described completely.
- Lens width
- 46 mm
- Bridge / DBL
- 23 mm
- Temple marking
- 5¾ in approximately 146 mm
- Overall front width
- approximately 134 mm
Condition & originality +
A very well preserved pre-owned vintage example, with light age-related surface wear and marks visible in the detailed photographs. Please examine the front, temples, hinges and interior markings in every view; the photographs document the actual condition. No claim is made that the frame is mint or unused.
Brand: American Optical. Model: Jaguar. Era: 1960s. Material: Zyl (cellulose acetate). Colour: Claro Brown. Full-rim, adult unisex, original vintage frame, made in the United States.
Photographs & measurement guides +
The first 19 gallery photographs show the actual frame in natural light and in a studio/lightbox setting. The raw outdoor photographs are unedited and untouched, showing the color, transparency, hardware and surface condition in natural light.
These 19 original frame photographs are presented exactly as supplied, without additional retouching, color correction, sharpening, cleanup, background changes or cropping. Differences in appearance reflect the lighting and viewing angle.
Three additional ruler images have digitally replaced lightbox backgrounds and accompany an annotated measurement guide. Measurements were read from the original ruler photographs. The Updike portrait and catalogue are clearly identified historical references.
Open the measurement guide ↗Included with the frame +
The frame will come with clear demo lenses, as pictured. It does not come with its original case, but a case will be included.
Shipping & handling +
For purchases directly from the Society, standard domestic and international shipping is included in the $2,400 price. Orders are carefully packed and dispatched within three business days. Expedited or alternative services may be arranged at the purchaser’s expense.
Customs duties, import taxes and local fees remain the buyer’s responsibility. Carrier transit times are estimates. Read the Society’s shipping policy.
Returns & purchase terms +
Sales are final except for the special-circumstances exchange or store-credit policy below, or where applicable law requires otherwise. Please review the photographs and request any additional information before purchase.
Under special circumstances, an item may be exchanged for an item of equal or greater value within 30 days of purchase, or store credit may be issued, valid for one year from the date of purchase.
This does not limit applicable consumer protections or remedies for material misdescription, non-delivery or transit damage.
A special drop from the Society
One original.
Your next chapter.
American Optical Jaguar · 1960s · Claro Brown Zyl
$2,400 USD
Standard domestic & international shipping included.
Purchase securely One original frame. Acquired directly from The Rare Good Society.Collector’s reference index
American Optical; AO; American Optical Jaguar; AO Jaguar; Jaguar eyeglass frame; RF8559 catalogue reference; RF59 temples; vintage eyewear; vintage eyeglasses; vintage spectacles; vintage optical frame; collectible eyeglasses; rare vintage frame; original vintage eyewear; pre-owned vintage frame; 1960s eyewear; 1960s eyeglasses; sixties eyewear; mid-century eyewear; mid-century design; American eyewear; American-made frame; USA-made eyeglasses; adult unisex eyewear; men’s vintage eyeglasses; Claro Brown; translucent brown frame; brown acetate frame; Zyl; cellulose acetate; full-rim frame; sculpted eyeglass frame; sculpted bridge; shaped temples; metal front ornaments; decorative front hardware; metal temple cores; hand-engraved core; engraved-core temples; mitre-joint temples; miter-joint temples; 5 3/4 inch temples; approximately 146 mm temples.