Early 1930s.
Check the coverage index (to the left) for more Uncle Sam patterns. The illustrator seems to have forgotten that our Uncle Sam has only chin whiskers - the slightly fringy mustache is distracting. But the overall look is consistent with our image of Uncle Sam. (Though I'm partial to the starry-coated versions myself.)
Remember that at this time Simplicity has only been in business a few years and is still marketing the practicality and economy of its patterns. But alongside the practical three-in-one patterns for pajamas, aprons, rompers, and house dresses, the company thought it worthwhile to offer Colonial Cut-out Patterns for Social Functions.
The United States had had its 150th birthday a few years earlier in 1926, so Uncle Sam was much in the popular imagination, and not only in the United States; in January1929 he made an appearance at a New Zealand costume ball. Remember that January is high summer in Australia; I hope Uncle was provided with many glasses of punch.
The instructions for this Uncle Sam Suit are printed on one side of a single sheet of paper only marginally thicker than the pattern tissue. Here's a sample; get out your magnifying glass and pay attention!
I wonder how many worn out top hats were given a coat of white house paint and a nice blue ribbon to finish off the look in time for the 4th of July parade.
1 comment:
This is such a treasure! I just want to thank you for sharing.
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