Description :

Pair of framed black & white photos of women with elaborate tattoos from famed tattoo photographer Bernard Lyle Kobel (1906-1985). Also included in the lot is Kobel's spiral-bound mail-order catalogue (with these 2 prints listed) and some semi-permanent tattoos in case you’re not ready to take the plunge like these ladies.

These vintage images are T228 & T233 from Kobel's catalog. T228 shows a beautiful young lady with extensive chest tattoos and the name HELEN across the center of her chest. T233 portrays a young lady with a fairy & daisies on her chest. Photos are in excellent condition with high quality frames although one frame has some slight flaws in certain light - see last photo. Both measure 13.25" H x 11" W framed. These were two of the many photos that you could mail order from Kobel. (The second to last photo shows an original mail order form for the tattooed images, along with the protective cover that the photo would have been mailed to you in.) 

Bernard Lyle Kobel lived a very full life during in his 79 years. He was a Lone Scout, photographer, photojournalist, writer, stamp collector, cartoonist, poet, World War II Army veteran and more. His parents started a mail-order business, which he took over, selling photographs of all sorts of unusual subjects including odd houses, freak animals and vegetables, unusual epitaphs, women weight lifters and tattooed people. The tattooed people collection numbered over 1700 photographs. - The Tattoo Archive

Kobel's legacy lives on through the Lucky Supply Tattoo Museum, which proudly owns and showcases his collection of tattooed people's photographs. These images offer a fascinating glimpse into an era where tattoos were thought to only decorate criminals, sailors and circus performers. His images also capture well known greats such as Charlie Wagner, Owen Johnstone, Bob Wicks and many more. As part of our archives, Kobel's work is freely accessible, inviting audiences to explore the rich tapestry of human experiences captured through his lens. In preserving and sharing Kobel's remarkable body of work, we celebrate his enduring contribution to the worlds of photography and tattoo culture. - Lucky Supply Tattoo Museum

Sound Estate Company does not appraise art or guarantee authenticity.