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Esquire’s Complete Golden Age Illustrations:

Flanderian

Practically Family
Messages
833
Location
Flanders, NJ, USA
Should any have been following this thread, I've reached the end of my archive for the complete set of chronological Esquire illustrations, which set represents a significant portion of my total archive. I hope to add to it at some future point, but have reached a snag, and at the moment need to direct my attention elsewhere.

I loved being able to offer this to all who may have enjoyed it, and delighted with the discussion which ensued. And I would very much enjoy any additional observations, conversation, etc.

F.
 

Turnip

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,250
Location
Europe
Bitte, Herr Ober!

Der handkase mit musik. Mit Zwiebel, und Kummel, und Paprika. Und mit Baurenbrot.

Wrong country, wrong federal state, wrong city...:p...and you’ll have a hard time finding a real Ober nowadays, no matter where...;)
 

Faux Brummell

Familiar Face
Messages
63
Thanks again, I really enjoyed this. I’m tempted to go through the entire thread and try to choose a favorite illustration.

Should any have been following this thread, I've reached the end of my archive for the complete set of chronological Esquire illustrations, which set represents a significant portion of my total archive. I hope to add to it at some future point, but have reached a snag, and at the moment need to direct my attention elsewhere.

I loved being able to offer this to all who may have enjoyed it, and delighted with the discussion which ensued. And I would very much enjoy any additional observations, conversation, etc.

F.
 

Flanderian

Practically Family
Messages
833
Location
Flanders, NJ, USA
Wrong country, wrong federal state, wrong city...:p...and you’ll have a hard time finding a real Ober nowadays, no matter where...;)

I suspect you'd not only need to travel roughly 400 or 500 miles north, but a half century back in time! ;)

Had sort of known it was a very limited regional specialty, with some related versions elsewhere, but for some reason I've had a yen for the authentic version and presentation that I once enjoyed in a tiny local Brauerei. (Such are the passions of dotage!) Though it always seemed more wholesome and desirable after having already consumed a liter of their superb beer. ;)

Interesting - I'd estimate that at that time perhaps half of the Ober in my city were Italian, and they were generally superb! It was an honored profession, and they treated it as such.

Thanks again, I really enjoyed this. I’m tempted to go through the entire thread and try to choose a favorite illustration.

I'd very much enjoy seeing your selections!
 
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Faux Brummell

Familiar Face
Messages
63
It was really fun to look through all of the images again and I thank you for collecting them all here in one place. I picked these out as some of my personal favorites.
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Honorable mention goes to these two gents because I coincidentally managed to dress very similarly to them in the recent past.
 

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Flanderian

Practically Family
Messages
833
Location
Flanders, NJ, USA
It was really fun to look through all of the images again and I thank you for collecting them all here in one place. I picked these out as some of my personal favorites.
View attachment 287252 View attachment 287253 View attachment 287254 View attachment 287255

Honorable mention goes to these two gents because I coincidentally managed to dress very similarly to them in the recent past.

Some of the very nicest I think! Though the bottom rig doesn't quite resonate for me, as do the others.

The second one down features a dinner jacket in a shade named Burma Tan. Never gained much acceptance, and was often ridiculed, though frankly, I think it rather fresh looking, or at least more promising than civilian mess jackets for evening wear. Though frankly, it's really only a hobby interest for me, as I've never had the interest in evening wear that you enjoy, though I understand your passion.

Embarrassingly, I've ever only worn semi-formal evening wear twice, and inappropriately, by command, during the day! :oops:

One more favorite that didn’t attach yesterday. :)

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One of best! Saalburg did such handsome ensemble illustrations!
 

Flanderian

Practically Family
Messages
833
Location
Flanders, NJ, USA
I have secured some additional Esquire illustrations. But as we continue with the April 1948 issue, I'll repeat my earlier observation that I personally find the styles that have emerged beyond the era that many have termed the Golden Age of men's style. But I know many/some here do enjoy them, and I still find the evolution of style of note, and so shall continue for a bit more.

These are all from Esquire April 1948. Part 1:

This first illustration is a classic! Not for the style it depicts, or the superiority of its art work. But upon first seeing it, I literally blinked my eyes, and seeing no change, rubbed them, as I could not believe I was reading what may have been the most unfortunate brand name in the history of men's merchandising.


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We resume our original programming -


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Flanderian

Practically Family
Messages
833
Location
Flanders, NJ, USA
These are part 1 of 2 of June 1948.

Through the years, in various precincts, I've read endless questions from prospective bridegrooms concerning proper wedding attire; white or black T-shirt? Half-tuck or untucked? :p

Fortunately, we have Esquire circa 1948 to balm our worries. :)


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Flanderian

Practically Family
Messages
833
Location
Flanders, NJ, USA
These are part 1 of 2 of June 1948.

Through the years, in various precincts, I've read endless questions from prospective bridegrooms concerning proper wedding attire; white or black T-shirt? Half-tuck or untucked? :p

Fortunately, we have Esquire circa 1948 to balm our worries. :)


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I was surprised to find it recommended that the groom select his eldest brother as best man, as I had no familiarity with that as specific custom. As an historical giggle for any interested in the American Civil War, evidently it was not always so; as I was also surprised when I learned that U.S. commanding general, Ulysses Grant, instead had selected the august, grey-attired gentleman below as his! ;)


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Faux Brummell

Familiar Face
Messages
63
These days all the forum guys insist that it’s lame/tacky for groomsmen to match so it’s really interesting to see all of this advice from back then about coordinating the attire. A surprising thing to learn!

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