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Jock historian

JSMike

Jockstrap Fan
I was introduced to Bike jocks in 7th grade gym class during the 1960s, and though it went underground for years, I have loved them since. Currently I am most interested in the history - when jocks began, and how they changed over the years. I have collected images of jocks, their boxes, and their ads, from the 19th century to the present. My start in this was Allkink's Jockstrap Lockerroom site by Tom Perdue, that I came across in the 1990s. Since then, I believe I have found the invention of the modern jock a decade before the legendary invention of Charles Bennett in 1874. Though I am only an amateur historian, I have tried to be careful about documentation, and I welcome questions about history.
 

JSMike

Jockstrap Fan
Forgive me - I am new to the site, and while I can attach photos, I don't yet know how to attach documents. So I am pasting below part of one short article that I wrote (the site won't allow more than 2,000 characters).

Jockstraps - the Early History

The story begins with the discovery of the vulcanization of rubber in the 1840s. Almost immediately, doctors realized the virtues of a sturdy rubber product in making elastic cloth. British naval doctors began using the newly developed suspensory with an elastic pouch to treat sailors with testicular injury or infection. It differs from the jockstrap mostly by having an opening for the penis. References to this medical suspensory are in the 1853 Lancet, then as now a British medical journal (The Lancet, 1853, Vol. 2, pages 22, 68, 230, 308, and 562; London).

A decade later, U.S. Cavalry riders were wearing suspensories to make their hours in the saddle more comfortable. But a problem arose when the soldiers mounted their horses: the suspensory would slip out of place, or get in a bind. So they asked Smith Rawson for help. He redesigned the suspensory to make it better for cavalry riders, and patented the result in 1863 (Patent No. 39,452 on Aug. 4, 1863 by S. E. G. Rawson). Though Rawson called his device by various names such as Testicle-Supporter, Testicle-Suspensory, or Suspensory Bandage, this was the first jockstrap. Ads in 1883 announced "Rawson's U. S. Army Suspensory Bandages" (The Breeder and Sportsman, July 14 and 28, Dec. 1, 1883). Rawson had changed a medical treatment into a garment intended for healthy men to make their athletic activities more comfortable. He marketed his garment to the public, expanded his invention to at least 40 different styles, including some called jockstraps, and maintained a successful business for about 50 years.

The innovation of Charles Bennett was to make his jockstrap all elastic, including the waistband and leg straps. This supposedly happened in 1874. I say 'supposedly' because I have never found any documents to prove this. From circumstatial evidence I suspect the 1874 date is true, but I wish I could find that dusty document with an 1874 date. He patented his jockstrap in 1897 (Patent No. 594,673 on Nov. 30, 1897 by C. F. Bennett), and advertised it from 1898 on in cycling magazines (L.A.W. Bulletin and Good Roads, July 8, 1898, page 30, July 22, 1898, page 71, Aug. 5, 1898, page 111, Aug. 19, 1898, page 154). At the time Bennett was working at Sharp & Smith in Chicago, not an athletic goods company, but a medical supply house that had begun as a manufacturer of steel surgical instruments. In 1889 they carried a line of suspensories, including several models of Rawson's Suspensory Bandages (Sharp & Smith Catalogue 1889, pages 803, 938). Though Bennett was the inventor, rights to the new all-elastic jockstrap were owned by Sharp & Smith. Their name is on the earliest ads, a lawsuit brought by Sharp & Smith in 1909 assumes their right to Bennett's original patent of 1897, and a second patent of Bennett for a new jockstrap design in 1916 assigns the rights to Sharp & Smith.
 
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Jockstrapguy

Administrator
Staff member
Forgive me - I am new to the site, and while I can attach photos, I don't yet know how to attach documents. So I am pasting below part of one short article that I wrote (the site won't allow more than 2,000 characters).

Jockstraps - the Early History

The story begins with the discovery of the vulcanization of rubber in the 1840s. Almost immediately, doctors realized the virtues of a sturdy rubber product in making elastic cloth. British naval doctors began using the newly developed suspensory with an elastic pouch to treat sailors with testicular injury or infection. It differs from the jockstrap mostly by having an opening for the penis. References to this medical suspensory are in the 1853 Lancet, then as now a British medical journal (The Lancet, 1853, Vol. 2, pages 22, 68, 230, 308, and 562; London).

A decade later, U.S. Cavalry riders were wearing suspensories to make their hours in the saddle more comfortable. But a problem arose when the soldiers mounted their horses: the suspensory would slip out of place, or get in a bind. So they asked Smith Rawson for help. He redesigned the suspensory to make it better for cavalry riders, and patented the result in 1863 (Patent No. 39,452 on Aug. 4, 1863 by S. E. G. Rawson). Though Rawson called his device by various names such as Testicle-Supporter, Testicle-Suspensory, or Suspensory Bandage, this was the first jockstrap. Ads in 1883 announced "Rawson's U. S. Army Suspensory Bandages" (The Breeder and Sportsman, July 14 and 28, Dec. 1, 1883). Rawson had changed a medical treatment into a garment intended for healthy men to make their athletic activities more comfortable. He marketed his garment to the public, expanded his invention to at least 40 different styles, including some called jockstraps, and maintained a successful business for about 50 years.

I removed the limit on characters this afternoon if you want to edit your original post and add anything. I didn't realize there was a default setting until I tried to post a lengthy help message to another member and got the same warning. I've been using the software that runs this site another one of my websites for a few months and I'm still learning things about it.

By the way, the website can't handle "documents" (I'm assuming you referring to things like Word Documents) but you can copy and paste information (as you have done).

I'm looking forward to you sharing your knowledge. I did a bit of research myself 15 years when we launched Jockstrap Central but realize that our Jockstrap History page is not up to date or totally accurate anymore.
 

JSMike

Jockstrap Fan
I removed the limit on characters this afternoon if you want to edit your original post and add anything. I didn't realize there was a default setting until I tried to post a lengthy help message to another member and got the same warning. I've been using the software that runs this site another one of my websites for a few months and I'm still learning things about it.

By the way, the website can't handle "documents" (I'm assuming you referring to things like Word Documents) but you can copy and paste information (as you have done).

I'm looking forward to you sharing your knowledge. I did a bit of research myself 15 years when we launched Jockstrap Central but realize that our Jockstrap History page is not up to date or totally accurate anymore.
Thanks John. I added the third paragraph from my short article, which clarifies Charles Bennett's role. I appreciate the opportunity to offer some otherwise unknown history of the jock.
 

JSMike

Jockstrap Fan
I am pasting below a list of "Jockstrap Facts" that I wrote up, which summarizes a fair amount of history. If you would like more detail, I have put images and patent documents in my gallery, and I will try to attach them here as well.

Jockstrap Facts

A precursor to the jockstrap was the suspensory, developed after the 1843 invention of vulcanized rubber, and used by British Navy physicians to treat medical conditions. Ads ran in the British journal, Lancet in the 1850s.

In 1863 Smith Rawson patented his U.S. Army Suspensory for Cavalry riders, the first jockstrap for healthy, athletic men. Rawson’s jocks were made until at least 1906. One was worn by Gen. George A. Custer prior to his death in 1876.

The legendary invention of the all-elastic jockstrap in 1874 by Charles Bennett of Sharp & Smith Surgical Instruments in Chicago, is probably true. He didn't patent his "Combined Jock-Strap and Suspensory" however, until 1897.

"Jockey Strap" or "Jock Strap" were standard terms, used since 1884 in catalogs, legal documents, and magazines. "Athletic supporter" was used more after 1930, probably due to the advertising practices of the Kendall Company.

A 1901/02 Wright & Ditson catalog sold an early athletic cup, called a "lower abdomen protector." A design more like the cup we know was patented in the U.S. in 1907.

A major ad campaign for the "Mizpah Jock No. 44" and other supporters was carried out in the 1910s and 1920s by the Walter F. Ware Co. of Philadelphia.

The Bike Web Manufacturing Co. of Chicago wasn’t founded until 1919.

A sturdy hockey cup was invented in Guelph, Ontario in the 1920s.

Boys' Life magazine carried ads for athletic supporters from 1928 until 1983, though interrupted by the Depression and WWII.

A heavy duty cup was invented around 1930 by a Bronx opera fan named "Foulproof" Taylor; it was sold and used by boxers throughout the 1930s.

During WWII the U.S. military contracted with Keystone, Foster Brothers, Martin Brothers, Kendall, and Joffee Co. to produce a "Supporter, Athletic" for the troops.

In 1947 Life magazine ran a series of ads for "V-front" supporters, a brand endorsed by the NY Yankees. Similar ads also appeared in Boys' Life magazine.

In the 1950s and 1960s concern for physical fitness resulted in the mandatory use of athletic supporters by most boys in school P.E. classes.

The banana cup, the first major change in cup design in 70 years, was patented by martial arts practitioner Frank DiMatteo in 1977, and quickly became popular with baseball players.
 

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Jockstrapguy

Administrator
Staff member
I am pasting below a list of "Jockstrap Facts" that I wrote up, which summarizes a fair amount of history. If you would like more detail, I have put images and patent documents in my gallery, and I will try to attach them here as well.

Jockstrap Facts

A precursor to the jockstrap was the suspensory, developed after the 1843 invention of vulcanized rubber, and used by British Navy physicians to treat medical conditions. Ads ran in the British journal, Lancet in the 1850s.

In 1863 Smith Rawson patented his U.S. Army Suspensory for Cavalry riders, the first jockstrap for healthy, athletic men. Rawson’s jocks were made until at least 1906. One was worn by Gen. George A. Custer prior to his death in 1876.

The legendary invention of the all-elastic jockstrap in 1874 by Charles Bennett of Sharp & Smith Surgical Instruments in Chicago, is probably true. He didn't patent his "Combined Jock-Strap and Suspensory" however, until 1897.

"Jockey Strap" or "Jock Strap" were standard terms, used since 1884 in catalogs, legal documents, and magazines. "Athletic supporter" was used more after 1930, probably due to the advertising practices of the Kendall Company.

A 1901/02 Wright & Ditson catalog sold an early athletic cup, called a "lower abdomen protector." A design more like the cup we know was patented in the U.S. in 1907.

A major ad campaign for the "Mizpah Jock No. 44" and other supporters was carried out in the 1910s and 1920s by the Walter F. Ware Co. of Philadelphia.

The Bike Web Manufacturing Co. of Chicago wasn’t founded until 1919.

A sturdy hockey cup was invented in Guelph, Ontario in the 1920s.

Boys' Life magazine carried ads for athletic supporters from 1928 until 1983, though interrupted by the Depression and WWII.

A heavy duty cup was invented around 1930 by a Bronx opera fan named "Foulproof" Taylor; it was sold and used by boxers throughout the 1930s.

During WWII the U.S. military contracted with Keystone, Foster Brothers, Martin Brothers, Kendall, and Joffee Co. to produce a "Supporter, Athletic" for the troops.

In 1947 Life magazine ran a series of ads for "V-front" supporters, a brand endorsed by the NY Yankees. Similar ads also appeared in Boys' Life magazine.

In the 1950s and 1960s concern for physical fitness resulted in the mandatory use of athletic supporters by most boys in school P.E. classes.

The banana cup, the first major change in cup design in 70 years, was patented by martial arts practitioner Frank DiMatteo in 1977, and quickly became popular with baseball players.

Absolutely brilliant research and the backing ads and diagrams are wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing this!
 

JSMike

Jockstrap Fan
The History of the Jockstrap

Origins


The use of clothing to protect the male genitals dates back to at least the advent of the loincloth. Some depictions of ancient Roman gladiators seem to indicate that it could be drawn up tightly for combat. There are many Renaissance depictions of quite tight-fitting loincloths.

Frank Samuels, writing for QQ magazine in 1975 made several (undocumented) historical claims, reporting that jousting knights in Elizabethan England wore under their armor “a kind of finely-meshed steel jockstrap;” and that codpieces could be considered a kind of jock. He also claimed that Renaissance Frenchmen wore a leather garment soaked in oil for protection during fencing and the game of jeu de paume, a rough form of tennis played with a wooden ball. Samuels also reported that some American cowboys used a similar leather garment - I wish I could find evidence for that.

According to the AllKink Jockstrap Locker Room of Tom Perdue (online 1997 to 2011) one of the earliest references to the use of a suspensory bandage was from a doctor who, writing in 1821, described “a length of cloth in the form of a dhoti, wrapped around the waist and applied tightly between the legs with a hole being cut for the privy member to facilitate urination.”

In 1863 Smith Rawson patented his U.S. Army Suspensory “ordered by the U.S. Army surgeons,” for Cavalry riders. Rawson changed a medical treatment into a garment intended for healthy men to make their athletic activities more comfortable. I believe his garment therefore qualifies as the first jockstrap. His company began in 1858, and was still selling suspensories and jockstraps in 1906.

It is generally agreed that Charles F. Bennett, of the medical supply company Sharp and Smith of Chicago, invented the modern jockstrap in 1874, for the bicycle jockeys of the day. I have not been able to find any documentation to support this date, though I think that it is probably true. Bennett’s innovation was to make his jockstrap all-elastic, including the waistband and leg straps. Bennett patented the design in 1897 and placed ads in the League of American Wheelmen Bulletin of 1898, 1899, and 1900.

In 1876 Spalding & Brothers began producing a cotton supporter brief with a lace-up front (AllKink). Though not technically a jock, it was a kind of early supporter.

The 1884 Wright & Ditson’s Illustrated Catalogue carried “Jockey Straps and Suspensories, Very necessary articles for Athletics and Gymnastics.” It stated, “No ball player should ever commence a game without taking proper precaution against rupture. The above articles are designed to meet the demand for an effectual protection, thus supplying a long-felt want.” There is a line drawing of the jock with what may be knots in the leg straps, and possibly a buckle in the waistband.

The 1886 Peck & Snyder sporting goods catalog sold “Suspensory Bandages and Jock Straps, for Men’s Use.” The Jock Strap is “Made of fine cotton band, bag of sateen lined with fine cotton; size of band regulated with buckle, and strings, to tighten the bag, by fastening through eyelet holes” and sold for 50 cents. Also sold was the “Syracuse” Suspensory Bandage With Self-Adjusting Sliding Loop at Back of Pouch,” for 75 cents; and “The New Athlete’s Supporter of Canton flannel with regulated laced front” for 50 cents (AllKink).

The 1889 Sharp & Smith Catalogue of Surgical Instruments carried an ad for Rawson’s U. S. Army Suspensory Bandages “Ordered by the U. S. Army Surgeons for the Regular Army.” It states “it is far superior to any testicle supporter in the world.”

The 1895 Montgomery Ward & Co. Catalogue No. 57 sold the Morton’s Perfect Supporter, “Used by ball players, athletes and the theatrical profession generally; made of best quality Canton flannel, laced front” for 35 cents.

Spalding’s 1896 Base Ball Guide carried ads for Spalding’s Improved Morton Supporter, six styles of Spalding Suspensory, and three styles of Old Point Comfort Suspensory.

The 1897 Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog sold six kinds of Spalding Suspensories: Non-elastic bands, knitted sack for 10 cents; Non-elastic waistbands, full elastic buttock band, knitted sack for 38 cents; Elastic bands, fine English knitted sack for 56 cents; Elastic bands, all silk sack, warranted not to chafe for 75 cents; Elastic bands, fine Swiss bolting silk sack, satin top piece for 95 cents; and Silk elastic bands, finest Swiss bolting silk sack, satin trimmings for $1.50. Sears also sold three kinds of Old Point Comfort Suspensories: Elastic bands, adjusting buckles, lisle thread sack for 75 cents; Elastic bands, adjusting buckles, satin trimmings, fine knitted silk sack for $1.10; and Silk elastic bands, adjusting buckles, trimmings, fine knitted silk sack for $1.50. Finally they carried two kinds of Improved Morton Supporters made of Canton flannel, lace front: Improved Morton for 25 cents; and Elastic on sides and back for 45 cents.

The May 29, 1897 issue of Sporting Life carried ads for Spalding Base Ball Goods, including six styles of Spalding Suspensory, and The Orange Universal Supporter.

Charles Bennett patented his design for a “Combined Jock Strap and Suspensory” in November of 1897. It states, “My improved device is especially intended for the use of riders, more particularly bicycle-riders, though it is useful for all purposes in which it is customary to wear a jock-strap.”

In 1898 the League of American Wheelmen Bulletin and Good Roads ran ads for “The Bike Jockey Strap Suspensory.” It carried a personal endorsement from Jimmy Michael who said, “I have tried every kind of Jockey Straps [sic], but never found one before that fulfils my wants in every respect like ‘The Bike.’” It was sold for $1.00 through Sharp & Smith, Chicago.

A March 1898 issue of The Pharmaceutical Era carried an ad and an article about Rawson’s Saratoga Suspensory, and mentions that the S. E. G. Rawson Co. was established in 1858.

In 1899 the L.A.W. Bulletin and Good Roads ran ads for “The Bike Jockey Strap Suspensory” with an endorsement from Arthur Gardiner: “I have used your Bicycle Jock Strap in the past two weeks’ races . . . It is the most perfect bandage I ever saw.” It cost $1.00, from Sharp & Smith, Chicago. There were also ads for “Dr. Dyoll’s Hygienic Athletic Supporter” for 75 cents; and for “Doctor Meyer’s Bicycle Suspensory.”

In 1900 the League of American Wheelmen carried ads for a “Bike Jockey Strap Suspensory” for Sharp & Smith; and for “Dr. Meyer’s Bicycle Suspensory.”
 

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JSMike

Jockstrap Fan
The History of the Jockstrap

The Early 1900s

The 1901-02 Wright & Ditson Fine Athletic Goods (Boston, Mass.) catalogue carried the “Improved Morton Supporter,” “The Chicago Suspensory,” the “Old Point Comfort Suspensory,” and the “Bike Jockey Strap Suspensory.” On another page is depicted a “Lower Abdomen Protector,” described as “Heavy wire, padded and lined with lamb’s wool.” The drawing shows 6 pieces of wire, 3 vertical, 3 horizontal, attached to a pad, and with laces. This appears to be one of the earliest athletic cups.

Around 1902 three photos depict men in jockstraps. One wears a V-front jock over his pants; one wears an abdominal supporter with a 10” waistband; and one wears a jock with extra-wide legstraps. (AllKink)

An undated Bike box no older than 1897 reads: “The “BIKE” Jockey Strap; Clean, Porous; All Elastic; No Buckles; Comfortable; The Best Support For All Athletic Sports; Manufactured for; Wright & Ditson—Victor Co.” At the center of the box is the “Bicycle Wheel” logo reading “The Bike.” Four athletes are portrayed at the corners of the box.

The 1902 Sears, Roebuck & Co. Catalogue No. III shows a drawing of what appears to be Bennett’s jockstrap. It read, “Our Elastic Combination Jockey Strap Suspensory. This Ideal Jockey Strap Suspensory is made entirely of elastic woven material, is free from buckles and buttons; the waist and thigh loop being all made of the same material makes it a neat, comfortable fitting combination jockey strap suspensory. The material used in its construction is cotton and elastic, the weave is open, affording a certain degree of elasticity and at the same time making it a comfortable fitting article, with the pressure evenly distributed and no danger of the circulation being impaired. It can be washed in lukewarm water, with castile soap, without danger of injuring the elastic. For swimming, athletic exercises, bicycle riding, etc., this Jockey Strap Suspensory has no equal.” It sold for 75 cents.

“In 1904, Claude “Admiral” Berry, rookie catcher for the Chicago White Sox, became the first major league catcher to wear a protective cup (known at that time as a “safety cup”). Berry later played for the Philadelphia Athletics (1906-07) and the Pittsburgh Rebels (1914-15).” (AllKink) The June 12, 1989 issue of Sports Illustrated ran an article on baseball memorabilia from Cooperstown, “Safe At Home,” photography by Bret Wills. It included a metal cup with 10 ventilation holes, and stamped with the letters “PAT. PENDING; (?)HNSTONE.” The photo was labeled “EARLY ARMOR: IN 1915 CATCHER CLAUDE BERRY WORE THE FIRST KNOWN PROTECTIVE CUP.”

The 1904 catalog, Farwell, Ozmun, Kirk & Co. listed, under Base Ball Sundries, ads for the Morton Supporter with laced front; the Peerless Supporter; and a Suspensory of “woven fabric, . . . without straps or buckles.”

In 1905 the Bike logo, a bicycle wheel with the words, “The Bike” was trademarked. It had first been used in 1896.

On December 26, 1905 Walter F. Ware of Philadelphia, patented a new design for a “Jock Strap.”

The 1906 Spalding Catalogue of Spring & Summer Sports carried 4 styles of “Spalding Elastic Supporter,” of best Canton Flannel and with lace-up fronts; a “Lower Abdomen Protector” of “heavy sole leather, well padded with quilted lining and non-elastic bands, with buckles at side and elastic at back;” and three types of suspensory: the “Spalding,” the “Old Point Comfort,” and the “Bike Jockey Strap Suspensory.”

The September 1906 Midland Druggist listed a variety of supporters, including those by Johnson & Johnson, Rawson, and Bauer & Black.

On April 9, 1907 John Gambel patented a corrugated metal protective cup, with straps to tie on. Rights were assigned to George A. Reach.

A 1907 catalog from A. M. Holter Hardware Co. listed ads for Morton Supporters, and an Abdominal Guard and Supporter of molded leather, lined with lamb’s wool.

The 1908 Sears catalog listed “Admiral Elastic Supporters. This supporter is made of elastic web with the exception of the front piece, which is open mesh, finely woven, washable fabric, which is attached to the elastic belt with three snap glove fasteners, making this the most comfortable, most sanitary the most practical jockey strap on the market. The elastic web is self adjusting and conforms to the body in any position. This supporter can be washed in lukewarm water.”

In 1908 Aleck Bauer submitted a patent application for a “Converttible Suspensory and Supporter, assigned to Bauer & Black of Chicago. The patent was granted on June 18, 1912.

In March 1908 Reuben H. Huddleston filed a patent application for a “Supporter and Protector.” It was granted on November 10, 1908.

On December 15, 1909 the Federal Reporter listed a claim of patent infringement by Sharp & Smith against Physicians & Surgeons Appliance Co. “As to the prior art, none of the prior patents were designed to hold the parts up against the abdomen, except possibly the Hall patent, No. 425,784, and the Pfister patent, No. 452,529. Neither of these, however, provided any pouch or sack. They were much the same as the swimming trunk. The only patents in the prior art which contained anything approaching the sack or pouch are the Rawson patent, No. 39,452, and the Hill patent, No. 208,240, both of which were pure suspensories, not designed to hold the parts against the abdomen or out of the reach of harm. It also appears from the testimony that, immediately after the issue of the patent in suit, the form of the jock-strap covered by it, and known in the trade as the “Bike” supporter, came on the market. Prior supports were sold at 50 cents, and the “Bike” at 75 cents. As soon as the latter could be bought, practically all athletes took to it as an improvement in place of the Morton device or swimming trunk, which was then practically the only one in use. All other devices were almost entirely rejected, and the “Bike” supporter or patented device almost completely displaced them.”
 

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Jockstrapguy

Administrator
Staff member
Absolutely incredible research, thank you so much @JSMike for sharing.

One thing stuck out about the patent dispute with one of the companies... Pfizer. Had to look up Pfizer's history and discovered they were founded in 1849 so can I assume the Pfizer you mention and the Pfizer we all know from it's best selling Viagra (and now, the vaccine) is the same company?

Just curious.
 

JSMike

Jockstrap Fan
Absolutely incredible research, thank you so much @JSMike for sharing.

One thing stuck out about the patent dispute with one of the companies... Pfizer. Had to look up Pfizer's history and discovered they were founded in 1849 so can I assume the Pfizer you mention and the Pfizer we all know from it's best selling Viagra (and now, the vaccine) is the same company?

Just curious.
The modern company is Pfizer; the jock manufacturer of days of yore was Pfister. No connection that I know of, though I wish there were - jocks and Viagra would seem to be a natural fit.

Soon to come - the 1910s.
 

JSMike

Jockstrap Fan
The modern company is Pfizer; the jock manufacturer of days of yore was Pfister. No connection that I know of, though I wish there were - jocks and Viagra would seem to be a natural fit.

Soon to come - the 1910s.
P.S. I see that I had a typo in my text, which had Pfizer, when the court records state, Pfister. I think it was the auto-correct that changed the spelling.
 

JSMike

Jockstrap Fan
The History of the Jockstrap

The 1910s

In 1910 L. C. West submitted a patent application with a drawing of a “Jock Strap.” The patent was granted March 19, 1912.

On October 18, 1910 Arthur Quenzer filed a patent application for a “Jock Strap.” It was granted on May 27, 1913.

The 1912 Sears, Roebuck & Co. Catalogue carried “The J. C. Higgins Elastic Supporter” which looks very much like the 1908 Admiral Supporter; and “Improved Morton’s Supporters.”

Baseball Magazine carried ads for the Mizpah Jock No. 44, Walter F. Ware Co., from 1912 to 1918. There was also one ad in December 1913 for “La Favorite, The Jock For You” by La Favorite Company of Baltimore, MD.

On May 10, 1913 Arthur B. Kendrick filed a patent application for a “Jock Strap.” It was grated on April 7, 1914.

A 1913 issue of National Sportsman magazine carried an ad for the “Mizpah No. 44 Jock” for $0.75.

The A. G. Spalding & Bros. Catalogue of 1914 carried several styles of jocks and cups, including the “Mike Murphy” Athletic Supporter, “Spalding Supporters,” the “Bike Jockey Strap Suspensory,” the “Spalding Leather Abdomen Protector,” the “Spalding Aluminum Abdomen Protector,” and the “Spalding Wire Abdomen Protector.”

The October 1914 issue of Association Men (YMCA), a Christian magazine, published a humorous article which mentioned a “tiger skin jock.”

The Walter F. Ware Co. in Philadelphia advertised the “Mizpah Jock No. 44” in Our Navy magazine (publication of the U. S. Navy) from December 1914 through November 1916.

A 1915 New York Sporting Goods Co. catalog listed various jocks: Morton Supporters; Bicycle Jockey Straps; Aluminum Abdominal Guards; and Suspensories (Army and Navy Style, and “Old Point Comfort” model).

A 1915 ad for the “Mizpah Jock No. 44” was run in Rod & Gun magazine by the Walter F. Ware, Co. of Philadelphia.

Sports Illustrated runs an article in 1989 on the 50th anniversary of the Cooperstown Baseball Museum, and includes an image of a metal cup, which it claims was “the first known protective cup,” worn by Claude Berry in 1915.

The September 1915 issue of Association Men (YMCA) runs an ad for “All Elastic Jock Straps, $3.00 per dozen.”

The online collection of the Baseball Hall of Fame shows a metal protective cup worn by Artie Dede, circa 1916.

The 1916 catalog Schoverling, Daly & Gales sold the Bike Jock Strap for $0.50; and the Bike “Combination” Supporter (with a wider waist band) for $1.50.

In 1916 C. F. Bennett was granted patents for two styles of supporter.

The May 1, 1916 catalog, Kelley-How-Thomson Co. of Duluth runs ads for Morton and Dayton supporters, and an “all Elastic Suspensory, no Buckle.”

Spalding’s Fall Catalogue of 1917 carried ads for “Mike Murphy” Athletic Supporters, Spalding Elastic Supporters, Morton Style Supporters, Spalding Swimming Supporters, The “Bike” Elastic Supporters, and Spalding Aluminum Abdomen Protectors.

The April 1918 issue of Hunter-Trapper-Trader carried ads for the Mizpah Jock Supporter No. 44, and the Sanito Suspensory No. 50, both by the Walter F. Ware Company.

A September 4, 1918 invoice from Johnson & Johnson lists the sale of 1/2 (?) dozen Jelco Jock Straps for $8.60.

Outing magazine carried ads for the Mizpah No. 44 Jock by Walter F. Ware from October 1918 through December 1919.

The 1919 issue of Red Cross Messenger carried an article, “U. S. Army Athletes Wore J. & J. Jock Straps.” It stated, “It is worthy of note that when the forty-eight men sailed from Hoboken on the transport Great Northern on June 4th each man carried with him a No. 202 Johnson & Johnson Athletic Supporter, or Jock Strap, with pure silk knit sack.”

The 1919 Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co. catalog carried ads for an Aluminum Abdomen Support, Athletic Supports, and Suspensories.
 

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JSMike

Jockstrap Fan
History of the Jockstrap

The 1920s


The 1920 Kelley-How-Thomson Company of Duluth catalog carried four kinds of Athletic Supporters, including one “Made on the Pfister Model.”

The December 1920 issue of Outing magazine carried ads for the Mizpah Supporter No. 44 and the Sanito Suspensory from The Walter F. Ware Company of Philadelphia.

A 1921 photo of basketball star Charles “Chuck” Taylor shows the waistband of a jock above his shorts. (AllKink)

The YMCA magazine, Association Men, carried ads for the Mizpah Jock No. 44 from Walter F. Ware Company of Philadelphia, from 1921 through 1923.

A circa 1922 box for the Johnson & Johnson (of New Brunswick, NJ) “Suspensory Bandage” states: “Should be worn by all men for Comfort, Health and Cleanliness.” (AllKink)

A 1922 ad read, “Mizpah No. 44 Supporter: Gives you a feeling of real comfort and the assurance of perfect protection while exercising or playing games of any kind. All elastic. Perfect fit. Will not chafe. Perfect pouch. Patented opening in front. May be boiled to cleanse.” There is a drawing of the supporter. It was sold by The Walter F. Ware Co. of Philadelphia, PA for 75 cents. This ad appeared in the A&E documentary “Unmentionables: A Brief History.” (AllKink)

The March 1922 issue of Hunter-Trader-Trapper carried an ad for the Mizpah Jock No. 44 from Walter Ware of Philadelphia.

A March 1922 ad for a Meyers Manufacturing Co. suspensory read, “You Can Tramp All Day: You can do the hardest work or play without strain, chafing or pinching if you wear a Separate Sack Suspensory. The S.S.S. has no irritating leg straps, no oppressive band on the sac, no scratching metal slides. It is made just as nature intended . . .. With the S.S.S. you always have a clean suspensory every morning. Each outfit has two sacks, you can clip one fast to the supporting straps while the other sack is cleaned.” There is a drawing of the suspensory. The cost was $1.50. (AllKink)

The 1922 and 1927 Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co. catalogs carried Athletic Supports and Suspensories.

A 1923 Baker, Hamilton & Pacific Company catalog carried Abdominal Guards of aluminum, and Jock Straps.

In 1924 P. Goldsmith Sons Co., Athletic Goods Manufacturers of Cincinnati published their Goldsmith Guaranteed Foot Ball Equipment catalog. It includes a detailed drawing of the No. 257 Athletic Supporter with an “aluminum form fitting guard inserted in a jersey pouch.” The drawing states, “Patented June 27, 1922.”

A 1924-25 House Hasson Hardware Co. catalog includes a page of baseball equipment, including two Reach “Jock Straps.”

In 1926 James Philip “Foulproof” Taylor of Brooklyn, NY developed an aluminum cup for boxers. He advertised the Taylor Foulproof Cup by inviting men to hit him in the groin while wearing his product. He was invited by the NY State Athletic Commission to demonstrate his device in June of 1930. It became popular, but was imitated by others who reaped the profits. Taylor died around 1970.

The 1927 Honeyman Hardware Company catalog carried Reach Supporters and Jock Straps, metal cups, Bike jock straps, Blue Ribbon Jock Straps, and Pfister’s Supporters.

An August 27, 1927 full page ad in The Saturday Evening Post for the Bauer & Black Pal (for safety in sports) and O-P-C (for everyday wear) Athletic Supporters reads, “Only a man who has worn one can understand that ‘neat, fully dressed feeling’ which one get from wearing an athletic supporter. . . College athletes today are required to wear an athletic supporter even for the mildest sports. But the exertions of the office and workshop, when multiplied over the day, are frequently more severe than those of the athletic field.” The top of the ad depicts three fully-dressed businessmen. At the bottom are depictions of the 2 boxes.

The 1927 Sears, Roebuck & Co. Catalogue sold six kinds of jocks: “The “Bike” No. 55 Elastic Supporter: Made of fine elastic with attractive woven stripe. V seam front allows greater elasticity (34 cents);” “The “Bike” No. 77 Elastic Supporter: Has soft mercerized mesh, elastic front, 3-inch waistband, 2-in. leg band of fine quality elastic. (48 cents);” “The “Bike” Wide Waist Supporter: Has 7-inch mercerized special weave waistband and 3-in. leg bands. Excellent supporter, abdominal brace is desirable (62 cents);” “The Supporter and Protector for Basket Ball, Football and Baseball: 3-in. elastic abdominal elastic band and two 3-in. elastic leg bands. Jersey knit pouch contains a light aluminum guard ($1.89); two “Athletic Elastic Supporters”: “Improved Chicago Snap Front: Can be put on without removal of garments. Snap fasteners for securing sack and waistband opening. Elastic web waistband and understraps; open mesh sanitary cotton and linen front. May be washed in warm water without injury” (79 cents); and “The Strap Supporter: Recommended for athletes and swimmers. Light, cool and comfortable. Fits well, no buckles or narrow bands to cause discomfort. Made of good quality elastic webbing” (39 cents). This catalogue also featured 4 kinds of Suspensories.

The 1927 Supplee-Biddle Hardware Company of Philadelphia catalog carried “A Full Line of Elastic Bandages and Supporters.”

The 1927 Belknap Hardware & Manufacturing Company catalog carried Reach Supporters, Belknap’s Supporters, and Bike Supporters.

The 1928 Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalogue sold “Elastic Supporters: Belt band six inches wide, additional support over the abdomen” (55 cents) and “belt band three inches wide” (39 cents). It also featured “Supporter Shirts: Combined shirt and supporter for players. Permits absolute freedom. Can be used as bathing shirt. Crotch strap is adjustable and prevents shirt from pulling out of trunks. This is one of our great bargains. Shirt will launder easily” (43 cents).

In 1928 Boys’ Life carried two ads (one in May, one in August) for the Blue Ribbon Athletic Supporter, from the Bennett-Landon Web Co. Text reads, “PLAY SAFE; No well informed man attempts any sport or pastime without the protection and comfort afforded by an athletic supporter. So comfortable are Blue Ribbon supporters that thoughtful men are wearing them every day . . . All elastic—no buckles, buttons, nor tapes to tie—just slip on.” Both ads include a “BLW” logo. A 1920s box for the Blue Ribbon supporter carries the words, “Jockey Strap” next to the BLW logo.

Also in 1928 Boys’ Life carried ads for the Pal Athletic Supporter by Bauer & Black of Chicago (in May, June, July, August and September).

The January 5, 1929 Spalding Athletic Goods catalog carried the following: Elastic Supporter – Particularly for wrestlers; Supporter and Abdomen Protector (with cup); Aluminum Supporter - Plain cup; Aluminum Cup Supporter; “Mike Murphy” Athletic Supporter; “Bike” Elastic Supporter; Elastic Supporter; “Rugby” Elastic no buckles; No. 9; Narrow waist band; “Bike” Elastic Supporter; Morton Style Supporter – Best Canton flannel; Aluminum Abdomen Protector; and Spalding Swimming Supporter. There are drawings of all these supporters and cups. (AllKink)

In 1929 Bauer & Black (a Division of the Kendall Co.) ran ads for the Pal Athletic Supporter in 4 issues of Boys’ Life (April, June, August, September): a slogan at the top; a drawing of a single athlete over the words, “Pal Athletic Supporter;” texts read, “Feel safer. Free from the instinctive fear of injuring delicate cords;” “Knit of fine wool over elastic threads;” “At all drug stores . . . one dollar;” “Perhaps some of you think that an athletic supporter is needed only by grown men, but that’s not true. It’s just as important for boys:” Bauer & Black also ran ads in Popular Science magazine (in July and August).

The 1920s saw the manufacture of a jockstrap by the W. H. Brine Company of Boston.

A 1920s photo shows W. B. Hobert posing in a jockstrap and Roman sandals.

The 1920s also saw the marketing of the “Selzwel Elastic Athletic Supporter: Made of Finest Elastic Material to Conform to Your Person” by Selzwel Products Co., NY, NY. (AllKink)

In the 1920s Bauer & Black of Chicago marketed the Thor Suspensory.
 

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JSMike

Jockstrap Fan
More images of the Bauer & Black Thor Suspensory from the 1920s.
 

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JSMike

Jockstrap Fan
The History of the Jockstrap
The 1930s

A 1930 druggist ad for Bauer & Black products included the Pal supporter, and was labeled “Division of the Kendall Company,” Chicago, NY, Toronto. It depicted a golfer, and included a drawing of the Pal box.

A 1930 ad by the Bike Web Manufacturing Co. has a photo of the Bike “Strap” supporter at the top, by text reading, “Bike has GROWN UP with American sport.” Division of the Kendall Co. of Chicago.

In 1930 Bauer & Black (Division of the Kendall Co.) ran 3 ads for Bike and Pal Athletic Supporters in Boys’ Life magazine (April, June, September): at the top is a photo of a single athlete with a circle drawn around his loins, followed by a long column of text: “Even though ‘prep’ school and college are still ahead of you, you have reached an age when you should take the same safety precautions observed by college athletes. Vigorous sports involve chances of serious danger without the protection an approved athletic supporter assures;” “Buy and wear a Bike in every game or ‘work out;’” “For 55 years it has been the safety reliance of athletes, coaches and trainers;” “Pal is even a finer supporter;” “you need to guard yourself against slips and strains in the vital but least rugged zone of your body;” “Though ‘hard as nails’ after weeks of strict training, any college football player would be ordered from the field if he risked even light practice without the protection of an athletic supporter.”

A 1930 ad offered the “Taylor Foulproof Cup” for $8.50 by Foulproof Taylor, Sole Maker, Brooklyn, NY. It featured a “4 inch Belt Laced in back for Snug Fit,” and an “Upper Groin Distributing Plate.” It also stated, "Joe Lewis, Henry Armstrong . . . and other great fighting men have been using this cup ever since they reached the top ring."

A 1930 ad in Sporting Goods Journal offered the Mizpah Jock No. 44 and The Buddy Jock, both by The Walter F. Ware Company of Philadelphia.

In 1930s Bauer & Black Division of The Kendall Company produced brochures (1930, 1932) titled, “Guard the Vital Zone.” They contained a discussion of the benefits of wearing an athletic supporter, and ads for Bauer & Black products.

In 1931 Bauer & Black (Division of the Kendall Co.) ran four ads for Pal and Bike Athletic Supporters in Boys’ Life (April, June, August, October): at the top is a photo of a single athlete with a circle drawn around his loins, followed by a slogan (in 2 ads reading, “Guard the Vital Zone”); then a column of text: “PAL, the de luxe supporter which college coaches and trainers choose.”

In 1932 Bauer & Black (Division of the Kendall Co.) ran three ads for Pal Athletic Supporters in Boys’ Life (May, July, August): At the top is a photo of a single athlete, a disc over his loins with text reading,” GUARD THE VITAL ZONE;” below is a slogan, “Be sure it’s a Pal;” then a column of text: “ He wears an athletic supporter. How about you, sir? Are you tougher than the professional athlete?” “Let us send you an interesting, authoritative booklet which explains fully and simply the need for and function of an athletic supporter;” “Though his muscles are strong as guy-ropes, he knows he can’t afford to leave unguarded that unmuscular, unprotected ‘vital zone.’ He wears an athletic supporter.”

The 1933 Spalding Athletic Goods catalog carried a line of Spalding Supporters, Bike Supporters, and two kinds of “Aluminum Supporter Cups.”

A May 1933 ad for Bike Athletic Supporters claimed that BIKE is “Just what the Doctor ordered” and “For more than 60 years the coaches’ favorite athletic supporter.” Bike Web Manufacturing Co., Chicago.

In October 1933 the Bike Web Manufacturing Co. (Chicago and New York) ran an ad headlined “BIKE; made as clean and sanitary as a surgical dressing . . . BIKE – For More Than 60 Years The Coaches’ Favorite Supporter.”

Two 1934 ads (May and September) for The Blue Streak Pal supporter, made by Bauer & Black, shows a young man asking, “Coach, what’s the best supporter for me to wear?”

1935 saw the production of the Canadian Protex hockey cup, made of magnesium, and with a strip of wool hand-stitched to the edge. The words “PROTEX” and “MAGNESIUM” are stamped into the metal. A 1938 Protex jock shows the typical extra-wide front panel and a heavy fabric pouch with a single metal snap to secure the cup. (AllKink)

A 1935 ad for the PAL Athletic Supporter was headlined “OLYMPIC STAR PAL SALES” and had 4 photos of athletes plus one photo of the supporter.

A January 1936 ad for Bike supporters in the Athletic Journal claimed that “In 1935 2 out of 3 Wore BIKE.” Bike-Web Manufacturing Company, Chicago.

A 1936 ad by Bauer & Black for The Bracer had a drawing of a man wearing and abdominal supporter with pouch, and showing two diagonal stays on the upper waistband.

A 1936 ad for the Mizpah No. 44 Jock Supporter states, “For games of any kind use a Supporter which will give the wearer freedom of action and perfect protection.” By The Walter F. Ware Company of Philadelphia.

A 1937 Life magazine ad for “The Bracer” by Bauer & Black shows a nearly naked man wearing an abdominal supporter.

A 1938-1939 edition of the Spalding Athletic Library – Wrestling Rules carried an ad for the “Taylor Foulproof Protector” featuring a “Duraluminum cup, covered back and front. Foam rubber lined. 3-inch elastic waistband; 1-inch leg straps” for $7.80.

The March 6, 1939 issue of Life magazine carried an ad for Bauer & Black’s Bracer abdominal supporter.

A 1930s display ad read “Guard the Vital Zone; Be sure it’s a Pal; Wear An Athletic Supporter or Suspensory for All Active Sports” (depicting a golfer) on one side, and “Guard the Vital Zone; Be sure it’s a Pal; Wear an Athletic Supporter or Suspensory for Safety, Ease and Comfort, Appearance, Fatigue Prevention” (depicting a baseball player) on the other. This design is very similar to the ads in Boys’ Life magazine in 1932.

A Bike Web Co. box from the 1930s for the No. 48 Bike Rubber Cushion for Cup shows the traditional colors: a wide band of orange, then yellow, and orange again, with a blue text box and the bicycle wheel logo.

The 1930s also saw the production of a Bike V-front jock; a Mizpah V-front jock; and a Marpage jock by Martin Bros, Inc. of Middlesboro, KY. All of these models appear quite sturdy, with the pouch seeming to be made of the same heavy elastic material as the waistband.
 

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JSMike

Jockstrap Fan
One of my favorite decades! Photos attached at bottom.

History of the Jockstrap - The 1940s

A circa 1940 ad for the Pal Athletic Supporter in an Australian magazine stated: “Protect the Danger Zone – Even in Moderate Exercises wear a “Pal” Supporter. All Followers of Athletic Sport Should Be Guarded Against Strain.”

A 1940s ad for the Matthews Abdo-Gard cup jock shows an extra-wide waistband supporter with cup pocket closed with 3 snaps. “An 8-inch girdle holds the ribs and lumbar area in place.” There is also a drawing of the “Cushion Cup” showing 7 ventilation holes. From Bill Matthews, NJ.

A 1940 Bike ad depicts 2 baseball players, and has text reading, “Insist on BIKE for correct lasting support.” Bike Web Manufacturing Company.

An April 1940 Bike ad, “History of Sports, Tennis” shows a tennis player of centuries past. Bike Web Manufacturing Company, Chicago.

A 1940 Bike ad, “History of Sports, Basketball” reads, “Like basketball, athletic equipment has come a long way.” Bike Web Manufacturing Company, Chicago.

A March 1941 Bike ad, “History of Sports, The Olympic Games” depicts a nude jumper, and two nude wrestlers. Bike Web Manufacturing Company, Chicago.

A 1941 magazine ad shows a smiling teenaged boy’s face above Bike Nos. 5 and 55 supporters. Text reads, “He looks to you…and he’s your responsibility; Supporter WILT is Dangerous! BIKE quality assures dependable, lasting support.” Bike Web Manufacturing Company, Chicago.

In 1943 Johnson & Johnson sold the Victory Athletic Supporter. Because rubber was needed for the war effort, this jockstrap contained none. Waist size was adjusted by a metal ring attached to the back of the waistband. AllKink

A September 1944 ad reads, “For Best Results Buy All-Elastic Supporters ONLY.” Text admits changes due to war time shortages, and asks, “please be patient; we are doing our best for Uncle Sam and for you.” Johnson & Johnson New Jersey.

A 1940s Bike package insert reads, “A WARTIME MODEL; To provide the armed services of the United States with all the necessities of a modern army, it has been necessary to restrict the civilian use of certain basic materials. Rubber is one of the most important. However, the physical protection of all Americans, whether in the armed service or engaged in war work at home, is of utmost importance. This garment has been designed to meet the basic material restrictions and at the same time provide you with a supporter that will give the protection and comfort you need to avoid strain and to reduce fatigue. The Bike-Web Company, Chicago, Illinois.”

A 1945 novel by William Maxwell, The Folded Leaf made two mentions of a “jock strap” worn by a boxer.

A January 1945 ad depicts two men, the younger one in uniform, shaking hands. Text reads, “. . . So Thanks, Coach, for My Promotion” and continues, “And Bike Web, Coach, knows how you’re still carrying on with the leaders-to-be, youngsters who are coming up to take on their own responsibilities. And now, as in the past, we pledge Bike garments will supply the dependable, lasting support you rely on for your athletes. Bike will supply, as always, the best possible protective garments to help you in your work.” The Bike Web Company, Chicago.

A June 1945 ad for the Johnson & Johnson Trump V-front jock shows an outline of a man wearing a jock. Text reads, “All-elastic supporter with 3-inch waistband has the exclusive V-FRONT to provide firmer support and more perfect fit.” And, “Note! Our stocks are still limited by military needs but we are supplying dealers by allotment and will do our best to meet all needs.”

In 1946 the Keystone Coat & Apron Mfg. Corp. of Philadelphia, PA produced a heavy-duty jockstrap for U.S. military paratroopers. It was packaged in a brown paper bag labeled: “One Each; Supporter, Athletic; 3” Waist Band.” AllKink

In 1946 Martin Brothers made a jock for the U.S. military. It was all white, with black lettering on the waistband reading: “U. S.; MARTIN BROS.; Stock No. 37-S 5886; JANUARY 1946.”

In 1946 Martin Brothers of Middlesboro Kentucky made an all-white jock, no label, but with black lettering stamped on the waistband reading, “U. S.; MARTIN BROS.; Stock No. 37-S-5886; FEBRUARY 1946.” One end of the box reads, “ONE EACH 3” WAIST BAND; SUPPORTER, ATHLETIC; STOCK No. 37-S-5886 MEDIUM; MARTIN BROS. INC. MIDDLESBORO, KENTUCKY.”

An October 1946 ad has a photo montage of 4 sports above text reading, “Protection that pays.” There is a depiction of the Bike No. 53 Cup Supporter, and of the Bike No. 50 Cup. The cushion is sold separately as Bike No. 48 Rubber Cushion For Cup. “There’s a BIKE Support For Every Sport.” The Bike Web Company, Chicago.

An October 1946 ad depicts a basketball player next to two outlines clad only in jocks, with text reading, “No Slip! No Sag! No Chafe!” “These improvements spell c-o-m-f-o-r-t for every boy on every team you coach!” Johnson & Johnson Trump All-Elastic Supporter.

Around 1947 the John B. Flaherty Co. made the “Bub” Duribilknit No. 78 “Freshly Knitted Athletic Supporter” with wide abdominal band and removable pouch attached with 4 metal snaps. An example of this supporter is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Costume Institute, New York.

A 1947 Bike ad shows a jock with wide waistband at top left. Text reads, “For dependable protection . . . BIKE NO. 86 Supporter.” The Bike Web Company.

A 1947 ad depicts a football player saying, “The Word’s Getting ‘Round – For Action OLYMPIC CHAMPION Is The Supporter.” There is a drawing of the Apex No. 1 (mesh pouch) and the Apex No. 2 (flannel pouch to hold a protective cup).

A March 1947 J&J ad shows a baseball player next to 2 silhouettes clad in jocks; text reads, “This “V” won’t distract thoughts from Baseball!” “The new Johnson & Johnson V-Front Supporters offer your teams comfort, protection, freedom from embarrassing adjustments.” Johnson & Johnson All-Elastic V-Front Supporters.

In 1947 Johnson & Johnson ran four ads for All-Elastic V-Front Supporters in Boys’ Life (March, April, June, July) with drawings of athletes.

A 1948 ad shows a smiling young man saying, “for the winning edge players wear . . .” OLYMPIC CHAMPION V-front Athletic Supporter.

A 1948 magazine ad showed a young basketball player, and drawings of 2 Olympic Champion jocks. Text reads, “The patented V-front, built on engineering principles, compensates for stress and strain of body twists and turns. Won’t loosen, droop down or slip around. The pouch gives gentle, balanced uplift, stays secure and snugly fit.”

A 1948 ad reads, “EXTRA Protection EXTRA Comfort EXTRA Value . . . Guaranteed to outlast and outlaunder 3 ordinary supporters. Write for free sample on your school letterhead.” John B. Flaherty Co., NY.

A 1948 magazine ad depicts a BIKE No. 86 Supporter with a wide waistband. The Bike Web Company, Chicago.

A January 1948 Johnson & Johnson ad for All-Elastic V-Front Supporters shows a baseball player next to three jocks and a metal cup; text reads, “The YANKEES join the GREAT TEAMS who use V-FRONT SUPPORTERS;” “V-Front Supporters For Your Teams.” AllKink

A 1948 ad for Johnson & Johnson All-Elastic V-Front Supporters depicts a pitcher next to drawings of 3 jocks and a metal cup, and text that reads, “Equip your teams with V-FRONT Supporters, USED AND ENDORSED BY THE NEW YORK YANKEES.”

In 1948 The Bike Web Co. of Chicago, IL placed an ad in the Boy Scouts of America Handbook: “Your Athletics Merit Badge - Want to qualify in the five athletic events? Then play safe by wearing an athletic supporter. Leading coaches, athletes and trainers say every boy who engages in a sport should wear a supporter. It protects delicate, sensitive parts by holding them snugly against the body. And by supporting them, it protects you from strain. For Safety in any Sport wear a BIKE SUPPORTER; More athletes have worn Bike Supporters than any other brand! Because for years Bike has worked closely with coaches, trainers and athletes to make Bike Supporters the best for protection, comfort and long wear. See your sporting goods store and choose the right supporter for your needs from the line of famous Bike Supporters. BIKE “STRAP” SUPPORTER – A 3” waistband all-elastic supporter that give extra-firm support, is sturdy, long-lasting, comfortable.” AllKink

In 1948 Boys’ Life carried ads for both Johnson & Johnson and Bike jocks. Johnson & Johnson ran ads for All-Elastic V-Front Supporters (March, May, July) shows a sign that the supporters are “USED AND ENDORSED BY THE NEW YORK YANKEES.” The Bike Web Co. ran four ads in 1948. May and July have text reading, “More athletes have worn Bike Supporters than any other brand!” Below that is the slogan, “Play Safe – Buy a BIKE Supporter.” In September the jock depicted is the Bike “Strap” Supporter. The November ad has a photo of the Bike No. 10 supporter.

A 1949 ad by the O-C Manufacturing Co. depicts a diver saying, “The Word’s Getting ‘Round – For Action OLYMPIC CHAMPION Is The Supporter.”

A 1949 OC ad shows a baseball player saying, “The Word’s Getting ‘Round – For Action OLYMPIC CHAMPION Is The Supporter.” The O-C Manufacturing Co., Little Falls, NJ.

A 1949 ad from O-C Manufacturing Co. has drawings of 6 different styles of supporter, plus a protective cup.

A 1949 ad shows a baseball player with text reading, “The YANKEES join the GREAT TEAMS who use V-FRONT SUPPORTERS” and “V-Front Supporters For Your Teams.” There are drawings of 3 jocks: a V-Front Cup Supporter, the Tuxedo supporter, and the Trump V-Front Supporter. There is also a drawing of a Metal Cup “Made of magnesium-the lightest and strongest metal cup ever offered.” Johnson & Johnson All-Elastic V-FRONT SUPPORTERS.

A 1949 magazine ad depicts 5 Bike jocks: the No. 10 Supporter, the “Strap” Supporter, the No. B-6 Supporter (6-1/2” waistband), No. 59 Swim Supporter (1-1/4” waistband), and the No. 86 Supporter (6” waistband). The Bike Web Company, Chicago.

A 1949 ad has a photo of 4 young men jumping hurdles, over a depiction of a large jock with text reading, “An Old Favorite, Bike “Strap” Supporter!” The Bike Web Company, Chicago.

In 1949, Bike Web and Johnson & Johnson again placed ads in Boys’ Life. Bike ran ads in February, March and April with a photo of athletes at the top and a slogan mentioning Bike Supporters, over a photo of the Bike “Strap” Supporter, wheel logo, and text. In May and July the Bike Web ads showed a drawing of a diver above the slogan, “Don’t Take Chances! Wear a BIKE Supporter,” a column of text, then a photo of the swim jock and the wheel logo, and the product name. In August Bike Web ran a photo of 5 young boys in swim suits with the slogan, “Don’t take Chances!” and “Wear a BIKE Supporter.” Johnson & Johnson ran ads for their All-Elastic V-Front Supporters in April, May and July; all showing baseball players, and stating the supporter is “USED AND ENDORSED BY THE NEW YORK YANKEES.”

A February 1949 magazine ad for the Bike No. 10 Supporter shows 6 young men playing basketball labeled, “More athletes have worn Bike Supporters than any other brand!” Below is a large Bike jock, off-white with a white label on waistband, showing bicycle wheel logo, labeled “Famous BIKE NO. 10 SUPPORTER, First choice of coaches, trainers, athletes. Knitted cotton-and-rayon pouch; 3-inch waistband; 1-1/4-inch leg bands to minimize rolling and curling. Truly a top-quality garment.” The Bike Web Company, Chicago.
 

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