PDC1

Ashaway Line Display Set

c. 1926-27

The colored pieces show the orange and black Bakelite box that was patented by Julian T Crandall first in 1932 (without the small oars to hold the line in place) and then again in 1933 (when the small oars were added to hold the line in place). This second version of the patented Bakelite box (with the three little oars) was introduced on a two page centerfold spread in the 1934 Ashaway catalog issued in August 1933 for the 1933 - 1934 season. The label used on the new patented Bakelite box also had the Ashaway trade mark Swastika which was last used by Ashaway in December 1933, and which was then subsequently dropped from the labels, promotional materials (including any store displays), letterheads, and catalogs in January 1934 when Ashaway published a supplement to its catalog number 11, in which all of the Swastika trademarks had been removed from all of their products.

The black and white picture is of the three window / sales counter display pieces that Ashaway would send to retailers (sporting goods stores, hardware stores, etc.) who bought a certain amount and variety of the Ashaway lines for their stores for the 1933 - 1934 season. The Ashaway Extra Strength brand packaged in the Bakelite box (with the Swastika) shown on the far right in the picture of the three displays was also introduced for the first time in the August 1933 - August 1934 Catalog. Of course, the two displays pictured in color from my collection are the same ones pictured in these three displays that were only offered by Ashaway for that very short time period between August 1933 and December 1933.

Ashaway Interchangeable Sign

c. 1936-41

Another unique Ashaway counter display. It stands up with a tripod like stand in the back. Comes with two cardboard inserts with different sayings or slogans on each side. When inserted from back of the display the selected statement shows through the cutout window in the display. Depending on what the store owner or clerk was selling at the time, that's what they would show in the little window.

Rain-Beau Girl

c. 1940

Rain-Beau Girl. A very cool, unusual and rare cross-over counter display. This extremely rare and culturally historic display and set of the 1940 RAIN-BEAU Catalog and a full page color ad ready to frame of the first seminude risqué image ever used to advertise and sell fishing tackle and tennis strings featuring the original MISS RAIN-BEAU model photographed by the famous commercial New York glamour photographer Bert Pagano. The Blanc House, of Canton Massachusetts, was a two-story brick building along the stream and was also part of a silk factory. This building was occupied by George H. Mansfield & Co. Mansfield Fishing Pole Company manufactured fishing poles, which complimented the fishing line business which had been in continuous operation for over seventy-five years. The Rain-Beau Company, a division of International Braid company, started in 1944, and remained in the same business and location till the late 1950’s. During world war II the plant produced parachute cord and other war items. It was here that they produced their Rain Beau Fishing Line. Using scantily dressed women as part of their advertising was way ahead of their time.

CCBC Lady Fishing

c. 1924

Very early and rare CCBC 3 panel counter display depicting woman fishing which in itself is rare indeed. Only 3rd one known to exist. Unfortunately, this example was missing the left panel, which has been reproduced. Though not as desirable as a complete original, it nevertheless was worth saving. Rare

Ashaway Laureldale Assortment

c.1924

Unique hanging sign advertising the Laureldale silk line No. 100 series. The flyer insert shown here also has the same poster as a component of Laureldale 12 pack counter box. Given the flyer one could assume that there was also a corresponding No. 200 advertisement example as well. Rare