FS: two 1930s dress shirts

[thunderw21]

I'm asking $40 each shipped in the U.S. only. Or both for $70 shipped in the U.S. only.
Paypal only, PM if intersted.

 

[thunderw21]

Pilgrim shirt

Really nice shirt with great fabric pattern: horizontal lines.

Neat yoke pleating on each shoulder back. All buttons are present, the buttons are very thin and finely made. Great craftsmanship in this shirt.

Neck: 15 1/2"
Arms: 23 1/2", outside from seam
Collar: 2 3/4" long point

Showing pleating and fabric pattern.

 

[thunderw21]

Empire shirt

Great quality shirt here. The craftsmanship really shows.

A bit of yellowing under the arms, should come out with a cleaning. A single area of pleating in the center of the yoke, a real nice touch. Plain white cotton fabric.

Neck: 15 1/2"
Arms: 35", outside from seam.
Collar: 3" long point

Pleating:

 

[Marcus]

I'm blanking out on my arm length. I'll check that today and get back with you.

 

[thunderw21]

bump

 

[thunderw21]

These are still available.

 

[RichardHannay]

Just out of curiosity, how did you date these shirts to the 30s? If I picked on up my guess would have been later. I'm not questioning your dating, just wondering what to look for to date them properly?

 

[thunderw21]

The styling of shirts from the '30s-early '50s didn't deviate a huge amount, but the extremely long pointed collars are indicative of the 1930s. I am certain that the "Empire State" shirt is from the '30s.

While it's possible the "Pilgrim" shirt is from the '40s, according to a February 3, 1935 New York Times article the "new feature" of the fused collar was becaming very popular at that time. And since the "Pilgrim" shirt tag proudly announces "Licensed Fused Collar" I believe this shirt dates from the period when fused collars were first introduced and were becoming popular.

Here's a 1938 advertisement praising the fused collar.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

I find it nigh-on impossible to date shirts, other than putting them into a vague 30-year date period. Fir the simple reason that all the collar shapes under the sun were available at all periods during the golden era. Some were more popular and so we see more of the pointed type. But there doesn't seem to have been changes in popularity. The long pointed was the most popular from the 30s to the 50s. Very annoying for trying to date them.

Could you do a close-up of the collar shape? Just out of interest.

bk

 

[Marcus]

I'll take the the Pilgrim shirt. The other one's sleeves are just too long I think.

 

[thunderw21]

...
Could you do a close-up of the collar shape? Just out of interest.

bk

As requested:

And just for reference, a few shirts from my personal collection that are not for sale.

1930s NOS:

Another 1930s:

Two "Van Heusen" shirts from the late 1940s/early 1950s (the tags help date these). Shorter points and a little more of a spread:

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Thanks, Thunder. I have the same van Heusen shirt. I really like the early 50s pointed, slightly spread, collar. One of my favourites.

I did a reference pic last night of a British vs American 30s shirt. I'llpost it sometime.

bk

 

[thunderw21]

Sold

The Pilgrim shirt is sold!

The Empire shirt is still available. Also, I made a mistake when listing the arm length for the Empire shirt; it is really 24" rather than the 35" I listed. [huh]

The Empire shirt is also reduced to $35 shipped in U.S.