Tattoos have been in and out of fashion for thousands of years. While the following photos aren’t nearly that old, they do put some interesting perspective on the kinds of tattoos that were popular during the late 19th century and early-mid 20th century. There are more photos over on CollThings.co.uk, which, if you ask me, seems like a typo.
Comments (12)
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I’m fairly certain that at least two of these images were doctored. I shall research more and return with my results.
posted by Eoraptor on 11-23-2011 at 3:11 pm
The guy in the last picture reminds of Bill Maher and Judge Reinhold.
posted by Gubdude on 11-23-2011 at 3:19 pm
Eoraptor, those all look real, and some of them are pretty well-known among those into the history of tattooing.
I’m just relieved that modern tattoos are generally done with more sanitary measure involved.
posted by BeccaTheCyborg on 11-23-2011 at 3:37 pm
Where’s Olive Ann Oatman?
posted by QDV on 11-23-2011 at 3:38 pm
Sanitary? Hell, the artist in the 3rd picture is wearing a TIE!!!1! Nobody in a tie would do anything unsanitary.
Tim
posted by tim on 11-23-2011 at 4:03 pm
Is that Phyllis Diller in #4?
posted by Scarsdale on 11-23-2011 at 5:14 pm
That’s exactly what I thought Scarsdale
posted by Tom on 11-23-2011 at 5:33 pm
I’d love to see a “where are they now” follow up.
posted by Love to read on 11-23-2011 at 5:48 pm
Tim,
Ah, ties. The Medical Professional’s petri dishes.
posted by Corduroy climber on 11-23-2011 at 5:56 pm
Looks like #4 and #5 are of the same woman — different hair, same tattoos, same teeth.
posted by Mama Bear on 11-24-2011 at 1:39 am
Mama Bear- they are- the tattoos match up.
posted by HuskerMama27 on 11-24-2011 at 10:46 pm
First one could be doctored, but I think most of them have are probably real photos . I wonder if using tattoo quotes was popular back then too?
posted by Lisa on 11-26-2011 at 12:33 pm