American Optical-Vintage AO Round Green Lens Metal Safety Glasses-All Original

Vintage American Optical AO Round Green Lens Metal Safety Glasses All Original

Condition

Exceptionally well-preserved collectors condition. All original, including the frame, green lenses, hardware and brown temple coverings.

The silver-tone finish presents beautifully, with light surface marks and subtle age-related patina visible on close inspection. A remarkably preserved example of vintage American Optical industrial eyewear.

Frame Details

The sculpted saddle bridge rests directly on the nose without separate nose pads. The cable temples curve behind the ears, completing the frame’s distinctive industrial silhouette.

• Brand: American Optical — AO
• Frame marking: “72” on the upper bar; exact catalog designation unconfirmed
• Style: Round industrial safety spectacles
• Material: Silver-tone metal construction
• Front: Full metal eyewires with projecting metal rim surrounds and exposed attachment hardware
• Bridge: Sculpted saddle bridge with a separate upper reinforcing bar
• Temples: Original cable temples with brown-covered curved ends
• Temple markings: “6¾ AO Z87”

Lenses

Original American Optical mineral glass green lenses, preserved with the frame in exceptional collectors condition. Their soft green tint complements the silver-tone metalwork and maintains the pair’s authentic period appearance.

These are the original mineral glass lenses supplied with this pair. No replacement lenses or custom conversions.

UV protection and polarization have not been independently verified.

Size & Fit

• Lens width: Not yet measured
• Bridge width: Not yet measured
• Temple: Marked 6¾ inches—approximately 171mm nominal length
• Lens height (LH): Not yet measured
• Frame width (FW, hinge-to-hinge): Not yet measured

Cable-temple length includes the curved portion behind the ear and should not be compared directly with conventional straight-temple sizing. The “72” stamp is a frame marking, not a confirmed size measurement.

Why We Love Them | Era & Relevance

American Optical’s eyewear heritage dates to 1833. This pair captures the functional character of vintage industrial eyewear through its round lenses, sculptural bridge, substantial metal rim surrounds and sweeping cable temples.

The design draws on an earlier industrial aesthetic, while the Z87-marked temples are consistent with the safety-standard era beginning in 1968. An exact production decade remains unconfirmed.

What makes this pair special is its preservation: original metalwork, original hardware, original temple coverings and original green lenses, together in exceptional collectors condition.

Authentication

American Optical AO maker’s marks are clearly stamped inside both temples, alongside the 6¾ and Z87 markings. The upper bar carries an additional “72” stamp.

What's Included

The all-original American Optical eyewear pictured. No original case or additional accessories are pictured.

Notes

Please review the close-up photographs for finish, hardware and age-related surface detail. No separate leather or mesh side-shield panels are pictured.

Offered as collectible vintage eyewear. Historical Z87 markings do not establish current safety certification or suitability for welding or industrial protection.

A 14-day return window applies in accordance with our return policy.

Our Promise

Carefully selected eyewear, honestly described, with attention to the original details that make each piece worth preserving.

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