John Grimek: Mr. USA 1949
John Grimek faced tough competition to become Mr. USA 1949 after already reaching Mr. Universe in 1948…
Category: 1940s
40s male physique and posing strap images
Melvin Wells nude
Melvin Wells posed for Lon of New York to take these extremely rare fully nude vintage photos in 1949.
The Art of Quaintance
Quaintance was an artist and photographer who made intricate gay oil paintings and pastel drawings, often from photos he’d taken of models like Zaro Rossi. His figures were integral to the development of the image of the late 40s-early 50s gay man.
Larry Shott by Bruce
Larry Shott photographed by Bruce Belas for “The Naked Heartland” in late 1940s Nebraska.
Cecil Horne and Dubas
Cecil Horne and his lover Dubas pose for Bruce of LA in “The Naked Heartland” in late 1940s Nebraska.
Eddie Tessar by Bruce
In the 1940s, Bruce of Los Angeles photographed men outdoors in Nebraska and in nearby states. Some photos were published in 2000 in The Naked Heartland. This fellow is identified as Eddie Tesar.
Charles Whitlock
Charles Whitlock, photographed above in 1940 by Earl Forbes for Strength and Health magazine, and below in rare studio nudes from 1941 taken by Al Urban.
Mr. America 1943 Jules Bacon
Mr. America 1943 Jules Bacon poses for Strength and Health magazine and nude for photographer Al Urban.
Fred Kovert 1945
Bodybuilder and photographer Fred Kovert shows all for the camera in 1945.