1941 WPA U.S. Navy Recruitment Poster

Created by Robert Muchley, this 1941 Work Progress Administration (WPA) poster encouraged skilled builders to join the Sea Bees (Construction Battalion = CB = Sea Bee).

1930's 1940's Carhartt Advertising Sign

Probably from the 1930's or 1940's, this sign was spotted on the east side of Detroit by my friend Dan Kroha (Gories, Demolition Dollrods). It was uncovered after the building next to it was demolished on an old dry goods store. Thanks Dan!

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1930's Composition Penn State Buddy Lee Advertising Doll

Super rare and selling for almost $3,000, this Penn State Buddy Lee advertising doll is simply amazing!

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Vintage Canvas Boat Cover Duffle Bag

Picked this one up a while back at a garage sale. Not sure of the era, but I would guess it's from the 1950's or 1960's. Crazy graphic and made in Detroit!

Life Magazine Article - "Tattos Cover Acres Of U.S. Sailor Skin"

Found this in a 1940 Life Magazine issue on the U.S. Navy. This was one of the sailors that was featured in my earlier post on Navy tattoos. I had to scan the article in two pieces:

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1920's 1930's Industrial Metal Sign

Crazy patina and age on this sign I got while out junking!  It even has an ancient weld in the middle.

1940's Vintage Photo Badges

Here's a few WWII era badges I scored recently. Not sure about the history, but they sure are swell! Notice the hat tan line on the second one.

Levi Strauss 1874 Canvas Hunting Jacket

What will the new owner say when they this jacket? Yeah man, I just got this sweet 70's jacket...1870's that is!!! Sold to an unknown bidder on eBay, this jacket was obviously loved and worn to near extinction! Price you say? How does $15,000 sound? WOW! Rare piece that I would hope went into the Levi's archives.

UPDATE:

Levi's makes a Japan only reproduction of this jacket (Thanks to John from the Vintage Engineer Boots blog for the tip).

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Harry McClintock - "Big Rock Candy Mountain"

1930's 1940's Vintage Tacoma Motorcycle Club Sweater

Not surprising that this one went unsold on eBay with a starting bid of $500. While not worth that kind of cash, it's still a fantastic piece that's in great shape. The Tacoma Motorcycle Club has been around since 1926 and is still going today (same club logo to boot).

The sweater was manufactured by the Tacoma Knitting Mills, although you can barely read the tag!

1930's Vintage Two Tone Half Zip Sweatshirt

Found this one on line while poking around. It was already sold, but too cool not to share!

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1930's Diamonds & Squares Studded Jeweled Belt With Navajo Buckle

Sadly, I was outbid on this beauty on eBay! Great detail and original buckle with Navajo symbol of peace. After 1936 or so, use the Navajo symbol declined and disappeared in the United States because of it's association with the National Socialist Party in Germany.

It looks like there may have been glass jewels on the buckle originally due to the soldering that was done on both the front and back of the buckle. Probably fell off at some point...during a brawl or ride on bucking bronco?

I particularly like how the nickel plating has worn off some of the studs to reveal the brass. This belt has a great patina and has definitely been worn a lot.

While this particular belt sold for over $200, they were originally sold out of catalogs like Sears & Montgomery Wards for the super low price of $1.44!

Levi's 501XX Special Edition Spur Bites & Barnyard Jeans

I'm not big on reposting, but this article is just too cool! The Selectism is reporting on the most authentic broken in pairs of Levi's I've yet to see!

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