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info American Optical is probably the oldest optical company (1833) in the USA still going today. For the last couple of decades they haven't made eyewear however they were recently bought up by Europa Eyewear who have started making frames by AO, including remaking some classics like the original pilot glasses (from 1958) and the Saratoga, as worn by JFK. Of course if you still want the original AO sunglasses, you know where to come. Anyway, AO set up a factory here in England in 1917 which became British American Optical where this pair of safety goggles was made, probably in the 1920s or 30s. So it is nearing a century old but still very wearable. The side shields are an acrylic material, tinted a dark racing green and housed in a nickel silver metal framework, tarnished with age. The lenses are the early flat type in a sunglass tint offering uv protection, so possibly for an outside worker, railwayman for example. The wire temples are showing some age too, but still function. Bonus: here is the 2nd BAO factory they opened in Kidwelly, Wales, just after the war. — klasik |
KlasikVintageEyewear |
product code : k5399 : £ 145 1920s/30s silver metal frame marked BAO KlasikVintageEyewearKlasik Original grey glass lenses condition lenses : fair - 4 frame : fair fit : good - cable temples size face : 130mm lens width : 48mm lens height : 48mm arms : n/a - cable arms lens spec uv transmission % : 2 light transmission (LTF) % : 24 uv protection y/n : y |
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