Bike Jockstrap Large White/Grey Adult Supporter

Product Information

A Bike Web Co. box from the 1930s for the No. 48 Bike Rubber Cushion for Cup shows the traditional colors: a wide band of orange, then yellow, and orange again, with a blue text box and the bicycle wheel logo. A 1901/02 Wright & Ditson catalog sold an early athletic cup, called a "lower abdomen protector." A design more like the cup we know was patented in the U.S. in 1907. The 1920s also saw the marketing of the “Selzwel Elastic Athletic Supporter: Made of Finest Elastic Material to Conform to Your Person” by Selzwel Products Co., NY, NY. (AllKink)

The 1927 Belknap Hardware & Manufacturing Company catalog carried Reach Supporters, Belknap’s Supporters, and Bike Supporters. In 1926 James Philip “Foulproof” Taylor of Brooklyn, NY developed an aluminum cup for boxers. He advertised the Taylor Foulproof Cup by inviting men to hit him in the groin while wearing his product. He was invited by the NY State Athletic Commission to demonstrate his device in June of 1930. It became popular, but was imitated by others who reaped the profits. Taylor died around 1970. A 1949 OC ad shows a baseball player saying, “The Word’s Getting ‘Round – For Action OLYMPIC CHAMPION Is The Supporter.” The O-C Manufacturing Co., Little Falls, NJ.

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A 1935 ad for the PAL Athletic Supporter was headlined “OLYMPIC STAR PAL SALES” and had 4 photos of athletes plus one photo of the supporter. A September 1944 ad reads, “For Best Results Buy All-Elastic Supporters ONLY.” Text admits changes due to war time shortages, and asks, “please be patient; we are doing our best for Uncle Sam and for you.” Johnson & Johnson New Jersey. A January 1936 ad for Bike supporters in the Athletic Journal claimed that “In 1935 2 out of 3 Wore BIKE.” Bike-Web Manufacturing Company, Chicago.

Sports Illustrated runs an article in 1989 on the 50th anniversary of the Cooperstown Baseball Museum, and includes an image of a metal cup, which it claims was “the first known protective cup,” worn by Claude Berry in 1915.A circa 1940 ad for the Pal Athletic Supporter in an Australian magazine stated: “Protect the Danger Zone – Even in Moderate Exercises wear a “Pal” Supporter. All Followers of Athletic Sport Should Be Guarded Against Strain.”

The May 29, 1897 issue of Sporting Life carried ads for Spalding Base Ball Goods, including six styles of Spalding Suspensory, and The Orange Universal Supporter. A January 1945 ad depicts two men, the younger one in uniform, shaking hands. Text reads, “. . . So Thanks, Coach, for My Promotion” and continues, “And Bike Web, Coach, knows how you’re still carrying on with the leaders-to-be, youngsters who are coming up to take on their own responsibilities. And now, as in the past, we pledge Bike garments will supply the dependable, lasting support you rely on for your athletes. Bike will supply, as always, the best possible protective garments to help you in your work.” The Bike Web Company, Chicago. A 1922 ad read, “Mizpah No. 44 Supporter: Gives you a feeling of real comfort and the assurance of perfect protection while exercising or playing games of any kind. All elastic. Perfect fit. Will not chafe. Perfect pouch. Patented opening in front. May be boiled to cleanse.” There is a drawing of the supporter. It was sold by The Walter F. Ware Co. of Philadelphia, PA for 75 cents. This ad appeared in the A&E documentary “Unmentionables: A Brief History.” (AllKink)The online collection of the Baseball Hall of Fame shows a metal protective cup worn by Artie Dede, circa 1916. A 1948 ad reads, “EXTRA Protection EXTRA Comfort EXTRA Value . . . Guaranteed to outlast and outlaunder 3 ordinary supporters. Write for free sample on your school letterhead.” John B. Flaherty Co., NY. In 1947 Johnson & Johnson ran four ads for All-Elastic V-Front Supporters in Boys’ Life (March, April, June, July) with drawings of athletes.