Circa 1936 suit saleman's suitcase, samples, documents

[thunderw21]

I purchased this a while back and it finally came!

It is a full size suitcase absolutely stuffed full of fabric samples, ordering sheets, measurement instructions, pamphlets and more.

There are roughly 150-200 fabric samples and dozens of pieces of literature dated Spring 1936. A holy grail for vintage fabric collectors? Perhaps.

Over the next days, weeks, months (depending upon my mood and schedule) we'll explore some of the finer pieces in this case. Now, be warned, the moths have had their way with many of the samples (as well as some of the documents and the leather suitcase itself!) but they are definitely in good enough condition to give us a glimpse into world of finely woven fabrics and quality built vintage garments.

The suitcase is 21" long x 13" tall x 6" wide and is bloated full of stuff.

Enjoy.

 

[The Wolf]

WOW!
Magnoli and Deckard have got to be envious.
Actually, I think we are all envious.
Nice find.

Sincerely,
The Wolf

 

[Bugsy]

WOW, you certainly do have a nose for incredible finds. Congratulations.

 

[Brian Sheridan]

It cost you $75??? Wow...Great deal, great find. Is there a way we can use this to benefit all of us in the Lounge?

 

[thunderw21]

It cost you $75??? Wow...Great deal, great find. Is there a way we can use this to benefit all of us in the Lounge?

This thread is the best way that I know of. I wish everyone could see these samples for themselves, hold them in their hands. Scans and photos will have to do.

 

[benstephens]

What lovely items. It would be great to compare with some modern wool samples and see how close they are.

Kindest Regards

Ben

 

[Benny Holiday]

What a find! I'm glad you won it Thunder, great that it's gone to an appreciative home. And as always, thanks for sharing from your treasure trove with us so generously.

 

[thunderw21]

So it begins...

Right, let's get this show on the road.


We'll start with a few of the fabric pamphlets. Some of these pamphlets are a little too large for my scanner so some words are cut off a bit. Also, some of the descriptions are pretty small but still readable.

If you'd like to see something more closely let me know and I'll see what I can do.

Cheers

 

[thunderw21]

Congo Cloth pamphlet

Congo Cloth seems to be a clone of/alternative to Palm Beach Fabric. It is smooth and very thin but dense and not see-thru.

Note the herringbone pattern in the last sample:

 

[thunderw21]

Special Trouser Fabrics pamphlet

These are some fine fabrics for trousers only ("coat and vest cannot be tailored satisfactorily from them").

The heaviest weight fabric is the white flannel and the lightest is the white gabardine(!).

I'd really like a pair made from the bottom sample on the second page. Some nice stroller trousers could be made from the top sample on the third page.

 

[thunderw21]

Utility Coat and Raincoat pamphlet

This one was a little too big for my scanner.

These are some dense, heavy weight samples, especially the ones on the first page. Notice the white hairs in the first two samples.

The gabardine on the last page is the heaviest and stiffest gabardine I've ever seen. It has horizontal tan and white stripes on the back.

And that's it for tonight.

 

[Feraud]

Your efforts are very much appreciated thunderw21. :eusa_clap

 

[NicknNora]

oooooooooohhhhhhhh. I love 1930s men's suits and overcoats!:eusa_clap

 

[ClothesHorse]

I love the tape (measuring) in the case. Complete with the tab ending. Just like I used (and still have) when I sold men's clothes at an old men's clothier. Sadly it closed last January. After 100yrs in business. We had lots of odd bits in that building and in the store room.

What a great find!

CH

 

[Feraud]

The utility/raincoat material is spectacular as is the Congo Cloth info.

 

[thunderw21]

Blue Serge pamphlet

Very beefy, nearly a pound per yard!

Not pictured is the price list underneath the sample:

Three Piece Suit- $28.45
Suit and Extra Pants- $36.20
Coat and Pants- $26.45
Single Pants- $8.75

 

[PADDY]

Nice.

Good resource Will, thanks for that!! :eusa_clap

 

[thunderw21]

Featherweight Fabrics pamphlet

Again, this one was way too big for my scanner so I broke out the camera.

Some fantastic linen and worsteds.

front cover:

inside:

left flap:

left samples overview, one sample missing:

left samples detail:

...

 

[thunderw21]

Featherweight Fabric pamphlet continued

...

right flap:

right samples overview:

right samples detail:

specific sample detail:

specific sample detail:

specific sample detail:

back cover:

 

[thunderw21]

And away we go...

Onto the main attraction: the fabric sample booklets.

There appear to be samples from two different companies: Goodwear, Inc. and Pioneer Tailoring Co. (the company most of the documents are from).


The first sample books below are from the Goodwear Company. I'll let you know when we get to Pioneer Tailoring samples.

Enjoy.