The lost American art of Stamped, 12k Gold Filled Eyeglass Frames
2 pair of stamped, 12K gold filled eyglass frames with green sun lenses, circa 1950s.
The art of gold filled eyeglass frames, stamped with intricate designs, usually in the Art Deco style, flourished during the interwar period.
The process was not simple. It was an apex of achievement in the medium of eyewear. It represented the meeting of a considerable technological progress with a high point of human craftsmanship. Nowadays one can no longer find much evidence of human craftsmanship in mass market products. And gold is no longer $20 an ounce. It isn’t even $35 an ounce anymore.
We will delve into details of construction in more depth in a future post. Until then enjoy the two dazzling sunglasses above, with rimway frames which date from about the 1950s, and the American Optical Cortland below, circa 1930s, which is paired with a period, Art Deco eyeglass case:
American Optical Cortland circa 1930s with aluminum Art Deco Eyeglass Case.
Pretty sweet!
Why thank you! They sure were. More to come on the subject.
Dear Mr. Lipow,
I discovered your blog post from July 14, 2014, after finding a pair of American Optical Cortland 12kt. gold-filled glasses in mint condition. They are identical to the ones you show in your posting. Thank you so much for your informative article! Although their exquisite craftsmanship and unmistakable glow of real gold are apparent even to my own untrained eye, I would have had no way of knowing their special history. Very cool!
Warm regards,
Jim
Long time since this comment, but if you still have them send a picture and I’ll have a look.