Framed or unframed, desk size to sofa size, printed by us in Arizona and Alabama since 2007. Explore now.
Shorpy is funded by you. Patreon contributors get an ad-free experience.
Learn more.
San Francisco, 1919. "Marmon Limousine on Stockton Street at Union Square between Geary & Post." 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size.
The University of Southern California has digitized and placed on-line 34 images of Marmon cars in southern California circa 1925-1926. Seven of these images feature as many as 7 young showgirls in bathing suits either sitting, adorning, or dancing on a Marmon. Another image, of a young woman in an elegant "Magnin gown" posing besides a Marmon, illustrates a definite change in fashion between 1919 and 1926.
The lady's muffled appearance suggests another balmy San Francisco day. I trust that the driver is wearing his long-johns under that rather insubstantial looking suit, for he must function en plein air.
Shouldn't the chauffeur be holding the door open for his lady passenger, rather than giving her a backward glance?
The speaking tube is necessary because there is a glass divider window between the passenger section and driver’s (chauffeur's) section – this is one of several items that define a limousine, rather than a touring sedan.
Another feature marking all limousines is that the chauffeur's section is upholstered in leather for the hired help, while the passenger section is upholstered in fine, wool broadcloth and much softer to sit on.
The touring car in the background is a Briscoe.
Note the speaking tube by the chauffeur.
The optional speaking tube for the refined ladies.
Women's fashions are hurtling toward the dire year of 1923.
All this needs is a dozen birthday candles.
On Shorpy:
Today’s Top 5