The Tart Arnel frame is a classic and timeless design known for its vintage appeal and iconic silhouette. To identify the Tart Arnel frame, pay close attention to the following features that set it apart from other Tart Optical frames.
Rivets
The Tart Arnel frame features a single rivet on each arm and another on either side of the frame front, which is a key identifying feature of this design. These rivets are typically made from durable metals like stainless steel or brass and have an arrowhead look. In addition, the rivets are solid and slightly raised.
Branding
Authentic Tart Arnel frames often have subtle branding inside the right temple. This can include the Tart Optical logo, accompanied by a serial number.
Furthermore, the Arnel Italy range has the logo on the bottom of the left side lens. However, the Arnel U.S.A. range doesn’t. Knowing which one you own is essential, as they have different identifying factors.
Design
You can characterize the Tart Arnel frame by its thick acetate frame and rounded rectangular lens shape. It features a keyhole bridge, which adds to its vintage appeal, and the temples have a gentle curve that follows the contour of the head for a comfortable fit. The distinctive shape and design of the Arnel frame make it easily recognizable among other Tart Optical designs.
The temples of the Tart Arnel frame have distinct tapering towards the tips, giving them a sleek and elegant appearance. The Arnel Italy range also has metal visible on the inside of the frame, while the U.S.A. range doesn’t.
Manufacturer Stamp
Depending on which Arnel frame you have, it will have a stamp on the inside of the left arm to tell you where Tart manufactured it. This will either read “Handcrafted in the USA from genuine Italian materials” or “Handcrafted In Italy.”
Size
As with most Tart Optical frames, you can find the Arnel’s size stamped on the frame back. A surefire way to distinguish between authentic Arnels and fake ones is if the sizes differ.
The sizes available range from 44-22-145 to 48-24-152 in millimeters; these numbers refer to lens width (44 – 48), bridge width (22 – 24), and temple length (145 – 152). You’ll find the lens width stamped on the upper left side of the frame back and the bridge width stamped on the upper right.
It’s also important to know if your frames are part of the Arnel Italy or the U.S.A. range since they have different sizes available. Here’s a break of each variant with its available dimensions:
Arnel U.S.A. Standard Bridge Fit Sizes
- 46-24-145
- 44-22-145
Arnel U.S.A. Low-Bridge Fit Sizes
- 46-24-145
- 44-22-145
Arnel Italy Standard Bridge Fit Sizes
- 46-24-152
- 44-24-146
Arnel Italy Low-Bridge Fit Sizes
- 46-24-145
- 44-22-145
- 44-24-146
- 46-24-152
Arnel Sunglasses Standard Bridge Fit Sizes
- 46-24-145
- 48-24-152
Arnel Sunglasses Low Bridge Fit Sizes
- 46-24-145
- 44-22-145
Lens
Arnel Sunglasses do exist. They feature CR-39 anti-reflective coating lenses. They come in various colors to help you achieve a stylish look while protecting your eyes. Currently, Tart only manufactures the Arnel Sunglasses in the U.S.A. So, they don’t have the O.T.E. logo on the lens and have 5-barrel hinges.
Color
When it comes to the Tart Arnels color, there is a lot to look out for. First, each frame type (U.S.A., Italy, or Sunglasses) has different colors in which they’re available.
In addition, the colors may also vary depending on the fit. Here’s how it’s divided:
Arnel U.S.A. Standard Bridge Fit Colors
- Burgundy
- Champaign
- Demi Amber
- Glossy Black
- Havana Sunrise
- Midnight
Arnel U.S.A. Low-Bridge Fit Colors
- Burgundy
- Champaign
- Demi Amber
- Glossy Black
- Havana Sunrise
- Midnight
Arnel Italy Standard Bridge Fit Colors
- Smoke Brown
- Smoke Grey
- Smoke Brown - Clear Bottom
- Smoke Grey - Clear Bottom
Arnel Italy Low-Bridge Fit Colors
- Smoke Brown
- Smoke Grey
- Glossy Black
- Smoke Brown - Clear Bottom
- Smoke Grey - Clear Bottom
- Glossy Black - Clear Bottom
- Demi Amber
Arnel Sunglasses Standard Bridge Fit Colors
- Burgundy
- Champaign
- Demi Amber
- Glossy Black
- Havana Sunrise
- Midnight
- Smoke Brown
Arnel Sunglasses Low Bridge Fit Colors
- Burgundy
- Champaign
- Demi Amber
- Glossy Black
- Havana Sunrise
- Midnight
So, if the frame you’re inspecting isn’t in the correct color, it may be a counterfeit.
In conclusion, identifying genuine Tart Arnel frames involves paying close attention to crucial details such as rivets, branding, design, manufacturer stamp, size, and lenses.
By examining these features, you can ensure that your Tart Arnel eyeglasses are authentic and represent the iconic vintage appeal that has made Tart Optical a renowned brand in the fashion eyewear industry.
Identify your other frames here.