Scarce Pre-WWII AO Manufactured Private Purchase Pilot Goggles in Original Tin Named to CAP Pilot

This is a scarce pair of AO (American Optical Company) manufactured private purchase pilot/aviator goggles dating to before World War II. AO was an early eyewear manufacturer based in Southbridge, Massachusetts that supplied the US Air Service/USAAF with issue goggles. These goggles come with their original manufacturer tin and are named to a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) pilot known as "Billie" on the band. The lenses are clear, although AO made goggles with many different lens hues.

Circa pre-WWII.

Goggles: approximately 2-1/2" in lens height and 7-7/8" in width (laid flat); adjustable strap.

Nickel-plated brass, glass, rubber, cotton; tin.

Goggles: adjustable screw at nose bridge, buckles on strap; case: hinge.

AO on bridge; "BILLIE" W.R.H. and CAP wing drawn on band.

This is from a pre-WWII pilot goggles collection that we will be listing more of over the next few months. VAJJX13 LCGEX4/14 SLBIEX9/16 psCJEX9/16 SCJEX06/19

8- (Very Fine-Excellent): The goggles and tin both show only some light wear; rubber is still pliable.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.