My post of January 26 shared two pairs of dog booties from the 1940s and 1950s. The earlier pair was sold by the U.S. Specialties Co. of New York City, a rather mysterious firm that wholesaled a wide variety of pet products in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. As I learn more about the company, I’ll share it in future posts. But here is an object that they actually sold to pet stores and “kennel shops” like the Macy’s Kennel Shop I mentioned in my post of February 13.
Dog Measuring Chart, 1944. U. S. Specialties, Co. New York City. Cardboard and white metal.
The Dog Measuring Chart is a wheel with a cutaway that allows the user to select a specific dog breed (in the outer black ring printed on the card) and find the ideal measurements for collars, harnesses and coats for that breed. The handy diagram of a rough-coated fox terrier shows the user where to measure the dog. It also explains the differences in measuring collars made in England, as opposed to American ones.
The other side of the card offers an amazing array of illustrations for products sold by the U. S. Specialties Co. It shows toys, equipment and supplies for both cats and dogs. The cat supplies include an early litter tray, catnip mice, a scratching post and a packet of “Vo Toys” catnip that I illustrated in my post of January 16. (I know — amazing!)
Back of Dog Measuring Chart.
The dog merchandise includes a nice wicker bed and another folding bed that looks like a small bed for people, leashes and collars, and an array of toys. It also includes a number of pieces of dog clothing. (I’m working some posts on dog clothing, and I’ll return to this chart in that.) And in the upper left corner is the “Doggy Xmas” stocking, full of bones and toys.
There’s a lot to “chew over” in this interesting object! It certainly makes me rethink the nuances of “wartime austerity.” Meat may have been rationed, but dog clothing apparently was not!
