Lot c1900 Patent Office Illust., Men's Union Suits, Undergarments

This lot consists of United States Patent Office documents (they are not the Patents themselves), all pertaining to men's undergarments, notably union suits. They are dated from about 1885-1910 and essentially contain the specific description of the invention, by the inventor (all names, home towns, given), along with diagrams of the item patented. A typical document would note that the item formed part of Patent Number ______, dated ______. There are over 30 of these descriptions, most with illustrations. Some have lawyer's stamps and comments written on blank cover pages. Included are Undergarments, Union Garments, Improvement in Undergarments, Combination Undergarment, Apparel Shirt, Shirt, Underwear, Nether Garment, Under-Garment, Union Undergarment, Garment, Overalls, Combined Shirt and Drawers, Combined Blouse and Pantaloon-Overalls, etc. Many of the illustration/diagrams are amusing, as the garments are unusual (see our photos). Condition: many have tears, some are age toned' some minor soiling; fold separations in spots; minor creasing, edge rubs. Overall condition is very good. Each measures about 8" X 11.