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Suit, Bathing

Object number2020.32.5

Manufacturer The Puritan Sportswear Corporation

MediumFabric; Cotton; Cord

Credit LineGift of Gus J. Brickner

DescriptionMen's bathing suit, size 34-38. Red fabric swimming shorts with elastic waistband. Front has four applied embroidered patches, clockwise from viewer's bottom left: shield with Calais, France coat of arms; shield with American flag motif; blue circle with gold star above polar bear head; and shield with Armentières, France coat of arms. Interior of front is lined with off-white fabric. Interior has small off-white fabric pocket on proper right hip. White drawstring cord inside proper left side. DimensionsHeight x Width: 12 x 16.875 in. (30.5 x 42.9 cm)
InscriptionsFront has three patches that have embroidered text:
Bottom proper right patch has white text "CALAIS";
Top proper right patch has white text "USA"; and
Bottom proper left patch has white text "ARMENTIERES".
MarksInside waist at back center are two white fabric tags:
Proper right tag has text on front "BIG SPLASH / PURITAN"; and
Proper left tag has text on front "B 34-38".
Historical NotesGustave "Gus" Brickner was a swimmer from Charleroi, Pennsylvania. His nickname was "The Human Polar Bear."

Previous owner Gustave Brickner (1912 - 1991)

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