American Optical AN 6531 Kalichrome Outdoorsman Aviator Sunglasses
Vintage American Optical AN 6531 Kalichrome Outdoorsman aviator sunglasses are extremely rare, the original military aviator that gave rise to all future aviator sunglasses that here is paired with yellow Kalichrome C lenses, a frame and lens combination that was produced in small quantities relative to AN6531 sunglasses with either American Optical or Bausch & Lomb green lenses. During the years leading up to and during World War II, American Optical and Bausch & Lomb collaborated and shared designs in the manufacturing of sunglasses for the US military, building upon each company's heritage as precision optical instrument makers. The US Army Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps all adopted AN6531 sunglasses during WWII, and the Kalichrome C yellow lens originally developed for hunters and shooters was adopted by marksmen and sharpshooters in the military for their amazing properties to enhance contrast, especially on cloudy or overcast days. Originating in the mid 1930s, the "teardrop" shape lens of the AN6531 was designed to accommodate Air Force pilots who were constantly looking down at their instrument panel while in flight, and of course all future aviators are recognized by this lens shape. The "General" brow bar takes its name from the analogous style worn by General Douglas MacArthur in the Philippines during the war, designed to improve the balance of the sunglasses on the face. Finally, the Outdoorsman "shooter" ear stems curve around the ears to provide the most secure fit possible, all in all making American Optical AN6531 Outdoorsman sunglasses a formidable accessory for the troops during the war. The unisex AO AN 6531 frame measures approximately 5.5" temple to temple, and the yellow Kalichrome lenses measure approximately 2.25" x 2.0" at the widest points. The bottom of the nose bridge is impressed AO and one ear stem is impressed 67 6 1/2 American Optical while the other is impressed American Optical all in the gold plating. Very rare.
Item VS1401 / Price: $585.00
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