Warbird Eyewear
I have mentioned before my material of choice for spectacle frame construction is 2024 T3 aluminum. Impressed with its properties and application in the aerospace industry I discovered a version of this phenomenal material that is even rarer than gold. While precious metals and stones have been incorporated in fashion eyewear for centuries and could even be considered common, I have stumbled upon a material so unique I could be the first to use it in this way. It is aluminum from actual aircraft skins complete with the weathered remnants of the original factory paint. The following examples are made from some of the left overs of a 1941 Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk fighter expertly restored back into airworthy condition.
This twisted piece of wing skin might look at the end of its useful life but after a distinguished airforce service and 80 years is about to take on a new purpose.
Components are marked out to make the best use of the limited material as well as take advantage of its unique 'Character'.
Components are then cut out, shaped and finished by hand being careful to maintain as much of the original paintwork as possible.
The result is totally unique eyewear with real provenance and intended to be a tribute to an earlier time
![Daniel Walker Model 004 45 [] 20 spectacle frame handcrafted from an original Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk alumium](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a3bffd_9cfdebc0262346ceb326da095893bab6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_281,h_211,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/004%20P40%207.jpg)
The collision of an Optical and Aeronautical mind. Not my first design but an early one. The birth of my unique, personal style of spectacle frame construction.
A refined version of model 004 featuring a larger eyesize and a softer, more rounded lens shape.
![Daniel Walker Model 008 53 [] 20 spectacle frame handcrafted from an original Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk alumium](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a3bffd_378aa092c7114141a7f74d8da88876be~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_260,h_195,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/008%20P40.jpg)
![Daniel Walker model 48 [] 18 glasses frame handcrafted from Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk aluminum](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a3bffd_6572099e0a064c3ca3b5a7019698ca62~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_284,h_213,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/009%20P40%207.jpg)
Until now I had been designing with my face in mind. The interest in my designs made it clear I needed more choice for the softer featured face.
A revisit to an earlier design, the answer to a larger eyesize requirement for a pair of sunglasses. Has since proven to be my most popular general purpose style for the blokes.
![Daniel Walker Model 010 53 [] 20 glasses frame handcrafted from Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk aluminum](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a3bffd_298863ff084244b09f612b064c3997ff~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_183,h_183,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/010%20P40%207.jpg)
![Daniel Walker 011 39 [] 30 glasses frame handcrafted from Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk aluminum](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a3bffd_7702f4c78671427eb7d518278d6e6774~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_291,h_218,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/011%20P40%207.jpg)
Inspired by the designs of the early 20th century this classic shape has since found eternal fame thanks to some of the most famous faces of recent generations. Even with its latest popularity I struggled to find a perfectly round example to try 'off the shelf'. This is my solution and one who's quirkiness I have become particularly fond of.