Sargodha Surprise, F-104 Pilot Sunglasses

[Windjammer]

After much effort and deliberation by some family members, I have managed to acquire a pair of Sunglasses with some history attached to them. My late dear father who served in the Pakistan Army Aviation Wing during 1965 war, operating out of Damial Camp, today known as Qasam Air Base. They often had to fly into various PAF bases mostly Sargodha as back then it was the main hub of operations. It was there, my father got to know some F-104 Starfighter pilots amongst others. One such Starfighter pilot showed his appreciation by gifting my father a pair of his personal Sunglasses that were issued to PAF Aviators and were much sought after by others. Anyways eventually after some search and efforts, I have finally managed to acquire those Glasses.
Although, I understand that the company, American Optics still exists although I have been unable to find any of their products in UK.

 

[Arsalan345]

They are already behind you, I mean Indians. You revealed too much here. Please remove this post and save yourself. Hostile agencies wanted to know your links. Do you understand?

 

[SQ8]

They are already behind you, I mean Indians. You revealed too much here. Please remove this post and save yourself. Hostile agencies wanted to know your links. Do you understand?

Any agency can know all about you down to your father’s browsing history and they do have that already. There is no threat for them to worry.

 

[omegalamba7XL9]

https://aoeyewear.com/

 

[Arsalan345]

Any agency can know all about you down to your father’s browsing history and they do have that already. There is no threat for them to worry.

Many senior Indian members wanted to know him more. It's a worry for me.

 

[Windjammer]

Many senior Indian members wanted to know him more. It's a worry for me.

Who knows, they might honey trap me. Lovely.

 

[Arsalan345]

Who knows, they might honey trap me. Lovely.

Hahaha. They hate you. Hahaha.

 

[Riz]

They are already behind you, I mean Indians. You revealed too much here. Please remove this post and save yourself. Hostile agencies wanted to know your links. Do you understand?

Tery julab na rukain gay bhai

 

[RescueRanger]

After much effort and deliberation by some family members, I have managed to acquire a pair of Sunglasses with some history attached to them. My late dear father who served in the Pakistan Army Aviation Wing during 1965 war, operating out of Damial Camp, today known as Qasam Air Base. They often had to fly into various PAF bases mostly Sargodha as back then it was the main hub of operations. It was there, my father got to know some F-104 Starfighter pilots amongst others. One such Starfighter pilot showed his appreciation by gifting my father a pair of his personal Sunglasses that were issued to PAF Aviators and were much sought after by others. Anyways eventually after some search and efforts, I have finally managed to acquire those Glasses.
Although, I understand that the company, American Optics still exists although I have been unable to find any of their products in UK.

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View attachment 749282

Beautiful, thank you for sharing this wonderful story with us.

I remember the older more oval shaped aviators from AO were available at Aviation Officers Mess, GT Road,West ridge.

I don’t know if the company trades anymore but there was a company in Birmingham called Silvermans that sold a lot of military surplus items, perhaps you can check that lead out.

Beautiful, thank you for sharing this wonderful story with us.

I remember the older more oval shaped aviators from AO were available at Aviation Officers Mess, GT Road,West ridge.

I don’t know if the company trades anymore but there was a company in Birmingham called Silvermans that sold a lot of military surplus items, perhaps you can check that lead out.

Apparently Silvermans still exists in the UK, here is their website:

Silvermans 75 years of Military clothing, footwear, watches

Silvermans army surplus - military Kit - Tactical kit - Motorcycle Kit - Military Footwear - police footwear - military watch - cwc watches - royal navy diver - suppliers to H.M forces over 75 years. Located in London E1 we carry massive stocks of military clothing, footwear, watches, outdoor...

www.silvermans.co.uk

 

[Windjammer]

Beautiful, thank you for sharing this wonderful story with us.

I remember the older more oval shaped aviators from AO were available at Aviation Officers Mess, GT Road,West ridge.

I don’t know if the company trades anymore but there was a company in Birmingham called Silvermans that sold a lot of military surplus items, perhaps you can check that lead out.




Apparently Silvermans still exists in the UK, here is their website:

Silvermans 75 years of Military clothing, footwear, watches

Silvermans army surplus - military Kit - Tactical kit - Motorcycle Kit - Military Footwear - police footwear - military watch - cwc watches - royal navy diver - suppliers to H.M forces over 75 years. Located in London E1 we carry massive stocks of military clothing, footwear, watches, outdoor...

www.silvermans.co.uk

Thanks a million for that, will surely check them out.
Although i did write to AO but no joy, however i managed to get some Randolph Engineering instead.
Not quite the same quality but none the less light and comfortable.

 

[RescueRanger]

Thanks a million for that, will surely check them out.
Although i did write to AO but no joy, however i managed to get some Randolph Engineering instead.
Not quite the same quality but none the less light and comfortable.

If you can, try to find aviators made by a company called Smith Optics. A few relatives are Army / civil pilots and they love them.

 

[TexasJohn]

Who knows, they might honey trap me. Lovely.

As many years as I have known you here, I'm afraid I don't know you that way!! LOL

Thanks a million for that, will surely check them out.
Although i did write to AO but no joy, however i managed to get some Randolph Engineering instead.
Not quite the same quality but none the less light and comfortable.

Have you tried here?

Amazon.com: American Optical Original Pilot Eyewear 55mm Silver Frame with Bayonet Temples and True Color Gray Glass Lens : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

Buy American Optical Original Pilot Eyewear 55mm Silver Frame with Bayonet Temples and True Color Gray Glass Lens: Sunglasses - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[Windjammer]

As many years as I have known you here, I'm afraid I don't know you that way!! LOL

Bit of banter to lighten the mood never harms.

Have you tried here?

Amazon.com: American Optical Original Pilot Eyewear 55mm Silver Frame with Bayonet Temples and True Color Gray Glass Lens : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

Buy American Optical Original Pilot Eyewear 55mm Silver Frame with Bayonet Temples and True Color Gray Glass Lens: Sunglasses - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

I'm surprised that all major opticians here in UK, only store brands like, Ray Bans, Oakley, Police , Gucci etc but none of the American classics. One outlet did advertise Randolph Engineering but they were out of stock.
Anyways will checkout the above .

 

[TexasJohn]

Bit of banter to lighten the mood never harms.

I'm surprised that all major opticians here in UK, only store brands like, Ray Bans, Oakley, Police , Gucci etc but none of the American classics. One outlet did advertise Randolph Engineering but they were out of stock.
Anyways will checkout the above .

Did not realize you were in the UK. For some crazy reason, I always assumed you lived here in the US

 

[Windjammer]

Did not realize you were in the UK. For some crazy reason, I always assumed you lived here in the US

No dude, although got some relatives living in the States, had the opportunity to visit them a while back but work kept me back but the rest of the family did go and brought me back some Randolph Engineering piece.