Man's Bathing Suit
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Christopher Battalino
American, 1908 - 1977
Clothing MakerMade by
Surf Ace
Dateabout 1930s
MediumMachine-stitched wool
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width across chest): 33 3/4 x 16 3/4in. (85.7 x 42.5cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Marie Peichert
DescriptionMan's bathing suit of black wool. The suit has a low, scooped neckline at front and back and equally scooped armholes. The top extends in a short skirt over the attached, short-legged bottoms. The shoulder straps have been shorted by overlapping them at the top, and the armholes have been taken in by stitching a small dart at the lower front. There is a large oval patch on the proper left side of the skirt. All of these alterations appear to have been done at the time of the original wearing.
Object number1995.115.5
MarkingsWoven tape label stitched inside back of neck, "SURF ACE/ 100% PURE WOOL / SWIMMING SUIT".NotesHistorical Notes: On 23 September 1929, Christopher "Bat" Battalino (1908-1977) defeated Andre Routis of France to become the World Featherweight Boxing Champion. The fight took place at the Velodrome in East Hartford; it went fifteen rounds, despite the fact that Bat Battalino broke both of his hands in the fourth. He remained champion until 1932, winning 58 of 88 bouts, and experiencing only one knockout defeat. Bat Battalino retired from the ring in 1940.Subject Terms
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