Vintage American Optical AO No. 274 Weld Cool Gold Mirror Shade 10 NOS Lens WC10 For Sale

Up for sale is an authentic New Old Stock (NOS) American Optical No. 274 Non-Hardened Weld-Cool filter plate. This is an original vintage AO lens featuring the highly sought-after cobalt blue glass and genuine gold mirror coating that made these filters legendary among generations of welders.

This is not a modern reproduction, aftermarket replacement, or re-coated lens. It is an original American Optical filter preserved for decades in its factory paper sleeve.

• Manufacturer: American Optical
• Model: No. 274 Non-Hardened Weld-Cool
• Shade: 10
• Edge Marking: Factory etched "WC 10"
• Size: Standard 2" x 4-1/4"
• Includes: Original vintage American Optical orange paper sleeve

Original AO Weld-Cool lenses have developed a loyal following because of their unique viewing characteristics. The cobalt blue base glass combined with the gold mirror coating produces a cool blue viewing color that many experienced welders prefer over modern green filter plates and auto-darkening lenses.

The Non-Hardened version is especially sought after by collectors and longtime users who appreciate the optical clarity of the original production lenses.

Whether you're adding to a collection, restoring a classic pipeliner hood, or searching for an authentic vintage AO lens, these are becoming increasingly difficult to find in true New Old Stock condition.

Status: New Old Stock (NOS)

• Brilliant gold mirror coating with no flaking, wiping marks, or noticeable storage wear.
• Glass is exceptionally clean with no arc spatter, pitting, scratches, or delamination.
• Original American Optical orange paper sleeve included.

Please note: As is common with vintage glass stored for decades in its original paper sleeve, the lens had a light oily storage film that was carefully removed using optical lens cleaner and a brand-new microfiber cloth to verify its condition. Upon very close inspection, there is one minute cosmetic storage speck, smaller than a grain of salt. It is purely cosmetic, appears to be from long-term storage, and does not detract from the outstanding overall presentation of this NOS lens.

Your lens will be packaged with collector-level care using its original sleeve, protective padding, rigid packaging, and additional cushioning to help ensure it arrives exactly as pictured. Shipment will be fully insured and include tracking.

This vintage filter plate is being sold primarily as a collectible industrial trade item. Any decision to place vintage welding equipment into active service is solely the responsibility of the buyer.