The American Optical Ful-Vue Aviator Sunglasses represent one of the most iconic eyewear designs of the twentieth century, inextricably linked to the golden age of military aviation. American Optical was the primary supplier of sunglasses to the United States military during World War II, and the Ful-Vue design — with its distinctive large teardrop lenses and streamlined metal frame — became standard issue equipment for American pilots flying combat missions across Europe and the Pacific.
This particular example features the distinctive “General bar” — a straight horizontal crossbar connecting the two lenses at the bridge — which distinguishes it from the standard civilian run of Ful-Vue sunglasses. The General bar design was associated with higher-ranking military officers and became a sought-after feature among collectors of vintage military eyewear. The temples are marked “AO 1/10 12KGF” — indicating the frames are gold filled to one tenth of their total weight with 12 karat gold, a quality marking that confirms these are genuine American Optical military-era production pieces rather than later civilian copies.
The deep green lenses provide the contrast-enhancing tint that made aviator sunglasses essential for pilots needing to distinguish horizon lines and aircraft against bright sky backgrounds. Today original American Optical Ful-Vue aviator sunglasses with the General bar in this condition are highly prized by collectors of both vintage eyewear and World War II military memorabilia.
