Identifying a Vintage American Optical Tie Clip - Possible Merit Award

Question
I HAVE A POSSIBLE GOLD TIE CLIP ABOUT2INCHES LONG BY QAUTER OF AN INCH WIDE.IT HAS SQUARE SILVER PLATE ATTACHED WITH THE LETTERS.
AO ON IT I THINK THEY STAND FOR AMERICAN OPTICAL (C0)IT WAS MY FATHERS.SO POSS AT LEAST 60 YEARS OLD.THE LETTRS ON THE PLATE ARE
             1-2012-KGF...WITH THANKS

Answer
Hello Peter. Thanks for the question. This item you have is classified as a merit award, usually for longevity or meritorious service such as The American Optical Company you mention. Rarely are these items made in pure gold. Your clip is 1/20th 12 karat Gold Filled which computed means about 2.5% gold and 97.5% alloy. Its value on the current gold market is about $10.00 when the Gold is extracted from the alloy. Its a fine memento. Thanks again.

Steve Kretser