Textiles Wool Samples Forstmann Curt E Pres (1 results)

Thick Folio. 10 x 13 in. [23 leaves (unnumbered).], with 417 100% wool & wool blends (15% rabbit fur) samples mounted within of various sizes, weights, and a stunning array of colours. Colour-illustrated boards, cloth-backed Navy-blue hinges screw-post binder, nickel-plated interior screw-posts (minor scuffing, edgewear, manuscript label on spine), still a VG exemplar, w/ all the samples present and in great condition with no loss. First edition of this exceptionally scarce, and vivid salesman sample catalogue filled with over 400 wool and wool blend swatches reflecting the latest colour dyed fabrics from the storied manufacturer, and offering an essential visual colour reference for those hues in vogue as World War II continued to rage. The Homefront market during the War had suffered from rationing, and colour dyes were no exception, with the colour palette focusing on gray, navy, khaki, brown, ivory, and basic colours. Forstmann however clearly intended to project vibrancy for the Spring of 1945, filled with such colours as Naiad, Catalina, and Nereid pinks & purples; Channel, Nassau, Corsair, Biscayne, Bimini & Mediterranean blues, along with delicate pinks such as Water Rose, and a wide range of grays, greens, and even blacks. Founded originally in 1904 by Julius Forstmann (1871-1939) of the famed German family who been manufacturing wool textiles in Germany, France, and later the U.S. for more than 2 centuries, he vigorously defended 100% woolen labeling, opposed synthetic blends, opposed the misguided 1923 Tariff Act, and also established the Forstmann Institute, an adult vocational night school for the Forstman Woolen Co. employees. The company was sold by the family later in 1957 to J.P. Stevens, and still later acquired by the Quebec-based Victor Woolens in 1999. No copies in Worldcat.