Vintage American Optical Sunglasses 5 1/4 Custom Light Blue Lenses USA

American Optical Vintage Sunglasses — Size 5 1/4

• Brand New Custom Lenses
• Professionally Serviced & Renewed
• Authenticated

Condition

• Vintage American Optical frames
• Professionally Serviced & Renewed
• Brand new custom lenses
• Excellent overall condition
• Frames are clean, tight, and properly aligned

Frame Details

• Brand: American Optical
• Origin: USA
• Size Marking: 5 1/4 (original factory marking)
• Material: Acetate
• Color: Warm translucent brown
• Hardware: All original American Optical hardware intact 

Era & Relevance

• Era: Late 1960s – Early 1970s

Why this dating is accurate:

• Original AO size marking “5 1/4”
  American Optical used inch-based sizing prominently through the 1960s into the early 1970s, before fully transitioning to millimeter sizing as industry standards shifted.
• Frame construction & acetate profile
  The warm translucent acetate, thickness, and curvature align with post–mid-century American eyewear design, moving away from heavy browlines and into lighter, more wearable silhouettes.
• Made in USA American Optical production
  This period represents peak domestic AO manufacturing, before later consolidation and outsourcing in subsequent decades.

Cultural & Design Relevance

• American Optical is one of the most important eyewear manufacturers in history, supplying both civilian and military eyewear throughout the mid-20th century.
• Frames from this era were worn by professionals, creatives, and cultural figures during a time when eyewear shifted from purely functional to a statement of personal style.
• The late ’60s / early ’70s marked a turning point where subtle color, translucency, and shape became central to eyewear design—exactly what this frame reflects.

Lens Details (Custom)

• Brand new custom lenses by Second Chance Custom Lenses
• Color: Solid light blue / baby blue
• Note: Due to studio lighting and reflections, the lenses may appear grey in some photos. In person, they are a true solid light blue.
• UV protection
• Professionally installed 

Fit & Wearability

• Classic American Optical silhouette
• Balanced proportions with a comfortable vintage fit
• Frames can be adjusted to fit most face sizes

Authentication & Inspection

This piece has been authenticated and reviewed by Second Chance Authenticators, our independent authentication and grading division.

Each frame is carefully examined for brand accuracy, materials, construction, and originality prior to approval

What’s Included

• Sunglasses as shown
• If the original case is not included, your choice of 4 soft, sleek, secure cases will be provided (pictured)

Additional Notes 

• 100% Authentic — always guaranteed
• NO stock photos used
• The pictures tell the story
• Please feel free to ask us any questions
• Think before buying from sellers who do not offer returns
• We strive to provide white-glove service

Final Word

A timeless American Optical frame professionally renewed and paired with modern custom lenses—classic, wearable, and increasingly difficult to find in this condition.