Mechanix Illustrated December 1952 Magazine 1934 Duesenberg Chrysler Classic Cars

Mechanix Illustrated December 1952 is a 192-page illustrated magazine published by Fawcett Publications, with a 1934 Duesenberg and a Chrysler convertible pictured on its colorful automobile cover.

The front cover has bent corners, creases, and edge wear, while the back cover has a small tear. The spine remains solid, and the interior pages are clean and easy to read, with plenty of black and white photographs, illustrations, and period advertising.

This December 1952 issue takes readers back to the cars, inventions, household projects, and gadgets that caught people's attention in the early 1950s. Inside are Tom McCahill's automotive reports, an old automobile contest, unusual home designs, photography equipment, and Christmas project ideas. The original advertisements are another interesting part of this magazine, especially for readers who enjoy automotive history and midcentury technology.

Details

  • Item: Vintage illustrated magazine
  • Title: Mechanix Illustrated, December 1952
  • Author: Various contributors, including Tom McCahill, Frank Tinsley, and Lester David
  • Illustrator: Various staff artists and photographers
  • Publisher: Fawcett Publications
  • Publication Year: December 1952
  • Edition and Printing: Volume 48, Number 2
  • Format and Binding: Illustrated paper magazine with printed color covers
  • Dust Jacket: None
  • Pages: 192
  • Genre: Automotive history, science, technology, hobbies, and home projects
  • Language: English
  • ISBN: None
  • Dimensions: 9.5 in x 6.5 in x 0.5 in

Condition Grade: Good

Positives

  • Graded Good: This is a readable vintage magazine with a solid spine, clean interior pages, and clear signs of use on its covers.
  • The front cover retains its colorful illustrations of a Chrysler convertible and a green 1934 Duesenberg.
  • The original cover price of 15 cents and December date remain clearly visible.
  • The spine is solid, with the title, publication information, and date still readable.
  • The interior pages are clean, with text and illustrations that remain easy to read.
  • The photographed interior spreads show clear black and white images and readable printed text.
  • The December 1952 contents page identifies articles on cars, inventions, science, and household projects.
  • Original advertising is present, including Kodak photography equipment, Audels trade guides, and Prestone antifreeze.
  • Interior photographs include unusual houses made from a silo, barrels, a railcar, and other reused structures.
  • The magazine retains its original period typography, advertisements, and illustrations.

Issues / Wear

  • The front cover has several visible creases, including diagonal creasing across the upper portion and near the right edge.
  • The upper front cover corners are bent, with noticeable wear and small areas of paper loss along the edges.
  • The right front cover edge has wear and a small tear near the red price box.
  • The lower front cover corners show rubbing, creasing, and edge wear.
  • The back cover has a small tear and visible wear, especially near the outer edges and corners.
  • The back cover has light marks and discoloration across the paper surface.
  • The paper has yellowed with age, most noticeable around the interior page margins and page edges.
  • The spine shows rubbing and creasing, although it remains intact.
  • The outer page edges show age toning and a few dark marks.
  • Some pages have slight curling and uneven edges from use and storage.

Find more like this in our Vintage How To Books collection.

This December 1952 issue, with its Duesenberg cover and original automobile articles, makes a good addition to a collection of early automotive magazines and midcentury publications. If it's the right copy for you, it's ready to come home.

  • Near Fine: Close to new. Any flaw is small and named above.
  • Very Good: Light use. Every flaw is named above, and none of them get in the way of reading or display.
  • Good: Complete and usable, with clear signs of use. Every flaw is named above.
  • Fair: Heavy wear or damage, named above. A reading or working copy, not a display piece.

Every item is honestly described and carefully packed. These are vintage pieces, so light age-related wear comes with them. I show and describe what I see so you know what to expect.

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