USAAF - Airmens' sunglasses by American Optical Original WWII
Sunglasses were used extensively by the USAAF in WWII by aircrews and pilots of the US Army Air Forces.
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Sunglasses1564
£389.99
Description
We are often approached by the film and tv industry to supply authentic flight jackets for their productions. But we also supply other equipment, such as these original 1940s produced wartime sunglasses by American Optical.
AO were one of a handful of approved sunglass makers by the US government for supplying sunglasses to the USAAF under government contract, and are highly regarded for their superior quality. Designated AN6531-1, the sunglasses had to conform to a strict specification for which AO were instrumental in achieving through their experience and expertise in high quality optics.
The examples offered here are period-produced AO sunglasses, issued to the USAAF for use by air crew. They come in their original leather case which is even harder to find than the sunglasses themselves. (The back of the case has a slot cut in it where no doubt the original owner attempted to make it wearable on a belt) The original paper nomenclature label is present and very legible, and nose-pads are 'AO' branded, as they should be.
The copper alloy frames retain 100% of their nickel plating, which is in superb condition with no corrosion or worn off areas. The arms (which are of the correct 'cable comfort' design, with wrap around ends that were required for flying), retain their original screws and are straight and snug in the hinges. The lenses are made from ‘Rock Glass’ with 50% green tint (as per USAAF spec) and are in faultless perfect condition.
Overall a superb cased example of the very desirable AO AN6531-1 WWII USAAF issue eyewear.
Own a piece of original WWII and film history in one.
