Some Turn-of-the-Century Photographic Prints

We managed to save these old 10 by 12 prints from heading to the incinerator. They were snatched out of a pile of old broken toys, cheap armless sunglasses, left-over wrapping paper, discarded Tupperware, and torn boxes.  They weren't taken because of any possible value, they were taken because they were interesting.

We have a friend, Robert, who works a couple of days at the small vintage movie theater next to our favorite bar. He also happens to be a photographer, auction caller, and dealer of small antiques.  Robert specializes  in old photographs and postcards.  We took these into him to see what he had to say. He recognized most of the subjects and photographers. Some are pretty obvious.

Robert explained to us (based on the paper) that these were reprints of turn-of-the-century to 30s photographs. They were actually printed in the 1940s. He valued them at about $25 a piece. We gave them to him for a few movie passes. We always get excited when we find old photos and postcards now... It means a trip to talk to ole Robert and an encyclopedia of knowledge dealt out faster than I can think.

I wish I could give you all the specifics on these, but I'm just not that smart.

WW2 US Navy M445a Shearling Flight Jacket

Since I started a winter theme with the last posting, I thought I'd publish some photos of the most wintery of winter jackets ever made.

This M445-A Jacket was very early or pre-WW2. The Navy made some changes after this model was issued, and the army changed it again to make the more common  B-3 jacket.

WW2 US Navy M445a Shearling Flight Jacket

WW2 US Navy M445a Shearling Flight Jacket (back)

WW2 US Navy M445a Shearling Flight Jacket (Early Talon Zipper)

WW2 US Navy M445a Shearling Flight Jacket (collar)

WW2 US Navy M445a Shearling Flight Jacket (nomenclature label)

Vintage 1930s A. G. Spalding & Bros. Varsity Sweater

So... Summer was really busy... Too busy. We haven't posted anything in awhile due to the extreamly sunny and long Portland, OR summer. We made a ton of great picks over the last while and will spend some rainy time loading up photo eye candy.

A good winter start is this 1930s or 40s  A. G. Spalding & Bros. wool varsity sweater. It's seen plenty of wear but still found a home in a fan's collection.

Vintage A. G. Spalding Varsity Sweater

Vintage A. G. Spalding Varsity Letter

Vintage A. G. Spalding Label

Vintage A. G. Spalding Varsity Sweater (Back)

1930s Denim Hunting / Work Vest

1930s Vintage Denim Hunting Vest

Yet another treasure fished out of the Goodwill bins.

This 1930s hunting vest had seen quite a bit of action in it's lifetime.  It had plenty of paint and blood stains, and was missing a button off of the front pocket.

We were happy that this was sold to a world renowned vintage collector/publisher/clothing maker.  It will become a museum piece that will be cherished for many decades to come.  This vest was about 30 minutes away from being shredded to rags until we dug it out.

Final auction price: $276.00

1930s Denim Hunting Vest Back Side

 

1930s Denim Hunting Vest Game Pouch

1930s Denim Hunting Vest Interior

WW2 A-1 Horsehide Flight Pants by Switlik Parachute & Equipment Company

 Before the advent of the pressurized cabin, early military pilots would have to do some serious bundling to survive to sub-zero temperatures at high altitude flight.  Sheepskin flight pants and coats were a staple amongst the US Army Air Corps from the 30s up through World War 2.

There is much documentation and trade happening of the "B" series flight pants, but I haven't been able to find much about the earlier "A-1" flight pants.  Unlike the B-1, which is made entirely of sheepskin, these A-1 pants are made of a much more durable horsehide with the sheepskin being quilted to the inside.  I suspect that, much like the A-2 horsehide jackets, production costs and supply forced the Army to find a more practical alternative in order to keep up with the war-time demand.

An excellent condition pair of B-1 flight pants can fetch between $250 and $400, but due to the limited availability, I have no idea what the actual value of a pair of A-1 flight pants is.


This pair was made by the Switlik Parachute & Equipment Company probably in the mid-late 1930s.  I'm assuming that they are one of the earliest examples of a pair of high altitude flight pants.  You can check back and find out how much these sold for here.

A-1 US Army Air Corps Flight Pants

A-1 US Army Air Corps Flight Pants Back Side

Unzipped inside

One 1930s Wide Head Talon Zipper for each leg.