VINTAGE AMERICAN OPTICAL COMPANY USN ORIGINAL AVIATION GOGGLES

Introduced in mid 1944, the American Optical Company USN Flying Goggles were modelled on the Polaroid No 1065 and B6 Flying Goggles which had become so popular with USAAF and USN pilots and aircrew. With the air war raging in the Pacific, it was not long before other US manufacturers, like the American Optical Company started to manufacture their own versions to meet demand.

With a slightly smaller, one-piece lens than the Polaroid B8s, the American Optical Company’s USN specific Flying Goggles featured the same one-piece, shatter-proof lens which provided far greater peripheral vision than the previous twin-lens models; whilst its molded black rubber body and chamois leather lining were easily adaptable to fit most faces and variations in oxygen masks. Above the rim of the one-piece lens, perforations along the upper edge of the rubber frame allowed for increased air circulation to reduce fogging.

So popular were the new flying goggles that RAAF personnel in the South West Pacific would often beg, borrow or barter for a prized pair from their US counterparts.  

In the late 1950s H.L. Bouton of Massachusetts produced their own version of the Polaroid B8’s after receiving a contract from the new Swedish Airforce. Some of these also made their way into the USAF during the Korean War.

Eventually, the advent of the jet fighter saw pilots transitioning to the full face integrated oxygen mask and the one-piece, ventilated flying goggle design was successfully introduced to the burgeoning sports market to become the ski goggles we know of today. 

Your original pair of American Optical USN Aviation Goggles come complete with :

• Battle hardened USN Flying goggles
• Original Flying Goggle Box
• Beautiful hand-crafted 100yr mango wood display stand and engraved plaque
• Detailed, professionally printed and laminated Fact Sheet
• Highly detailed 1/72 scale* die cast or hand built & airbrushed Grumman F6F Hellcat on magnetic stand

* Why not go for super detail and impact by upscaling to an exquisitely detailed and finished, hand-crafted 1/48 scale Grumman F6F Hellcat model - the perfect gift for any aviation enthusiast.

* Note that this Grumman F6F Collectable is pictured with a standard detailed 1/72 scale Die cast model. Click on the ‘Model Upgrade' option at the top of this page for the larger, custom built 1/48 scale modle F6F Hellcat.

This Grumman F6F Hellcat Collectable comes complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand & Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of collectable with pilot and aircraft.

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