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Lot # 193: Buster Crabbe 1932 Olympics Swimsuit from Buster Crabbe Estate

Starting Bid: $1,000.00

Bids: 20 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Invit17",
which ran from 5/23/2017 10:30 AM to
6/30/2017 9:00 PM



Stunning black wool men's one-piece swimming suit was worn by Olympic great and Tarzan film star Clarence "Buster" Crabbe during the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Front and center is the all-important embroidered Olympic patch to act as the perfect symbol of his Gold Medal win. Tagged to the inside right shoulder strap is "Ocean Bathing Suit Company" of New York label. In beautiful, but worn condition with only a few moth holes, it looks as if it were worn only a few times (or once!) consistent with it being used in a limited period such as in the 1932 Olympics and in fact, for the Gold Medal-winning race. Similar to the 1928 Olympic suit he wore for the bronze, it is slightly different though and matches the Gold Medal suit. Looking at photos from the events, there is more space from the crew neck to the Olympic crest compared to 1928. Also, in 1928 there is something on his left shoulder strap that isn't on this one. Originally this came directly from the estate of Buster Crabbe, along with other Buster Crabbe pieces, this being the star of the show. Comes with letter from Lelands.com testifying to its authenticity and provenance. Buster Crabbe was world-famous for his athletic talent, looks, and physique. He went on to a "fantastic" film career in more ways than one. Most notably, he starred in several fantasy and comic strip films and serials including Tarzan, Buck Rogers and of course, Flash Gordon. His career had a huge resurgence in the nostalgia era of the 1960s when his various roles (especially Flash Gordon) became the perfect fodder for a new career in television.

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