The LIFE logo and size were the deciding factors in my purchase."
'40s-'50s LIFE MAGAZINE BAG
Abe: The third is a magazine bag from "LIFE" (an American magazine published from 1936 to 2007). I have been buying canvas newsprint bags with good prints for a long time, but I decided on this one immediately because of the logo. I've been checking eBay quite a bit, but this is the first time I've seen it. When do you think it's from?
Fujiwara: I cannot say for sure, but based on the specifications of the various parts, I think it is pre-1950s.
Konno: It has a flap and the size is a little compact and cute.
Abe: Yes, I found it on eBay, and from the pictures I saw, it was vertical. I found it on eBay, and the photos I saw showed that it was long and narrow, which was one of the deciding factors. You also have a Saturday Evening Post newsprint bag, don't you, Mr. Chestnut? That is also vertical, isn't it?
Konno: Oh, those are good, too. I wonder if there is a "TIME" or something like that? I might want one if there is.
Abe: I think there might be. However, the word "LIFE" is a bit embarrassing to me now because of the times we live in (laughs).
All: (Laughter)
I think the motifs in the paintings do give us some idea of the age."
VINTAGE BANDANA
Abe: The last one is a vintage bandana as a good example (laughs). However, I couldn't be more selective in my worries, so this is like a best selection of what I got in 2020.
Konno: They are all amazing again. What about these uncut ones?
Abe: This is a binaural version, so it's circa 1940s. I saw this pattern uncut for the first time, so I didn't hesitate to get it.
Konno: If it is bilateral, then it can be cut and sewn on two sides to make a product.
Abe: Yes, yes.
Konno: The fabric of this bird motif looks like twill.
Abe: Yeah, it may not be a bandana in nature, but it was one of the most shocking patterns of the last year.
Konno: The loom may be woven on the same loom as the bandana. The width is almost the same.
Fujiwara: These things don't line up in thrift stores that often, so how do you get them?
Abe: I search eBay a lot, but if I simply search for words like "Vintage Bandana," there is a high possibility that dealers who already know the market value of the item, or even bidders, will be similar collectors.
Fujiwara: I see. When did you get this bird motif?
Abe: Maybe before the 1930s.
Fujiwara: How do you determine that from the eBay images?
Abe: Well, the most obvious is the ears. Then there's the print pattern and so on.
Kurihara: If it's made in the U.S., it's simply red with black print, which is usually older.
Abe: Yes, I think they are. The two navy pieces are probably pre-1930s. They are indigo dyed, and the motifs on them can be dated to some extent.
Fujiwara: I see. I learn something every time, but I guess I'm too deep to get into this place....
Abe: Well, it's a completely self-fulfilling world now (laughs).
