The December 1920 issue of Outing magazine carried ads for the Mizpah Supporter No. 44 and the Sanito Suspensory from The Walter F. Ware Company of Philadelphia.

Wikipedia articles incorporating a citation from the 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica with Wikisource reference In 1904, Claude “Admiral” Berry, rookie catcher for the Chicago White Sox, became the first major league catcher to wear a protective cup (known at that time as a “safety cup”). Berry later played for the Philadelphia Athletics (1906-07) and the Pittsburgh Rebels (1914-15).” (AllKink) The June 12, 1989 issue of Sports Illustrated ran an article on baseball memorabilia from Cooperstown, “Safe At Home,” photography by Bret Wills. It included a metal cup with 10 ventilation holes, and stamped with the letters “PAT. PENDING; (?)HNSTONE.” The photo was labeled “EARLY ARMOR: IN 1915 CATCHER CLAUDE BERRY WORE THE FIRST KNOWN PROTECTIVE CUP.” A March 1941 Bike ad, “History of Sports, The Olympic Games” depicts a nude jumper, and two nude wrestlers. Bike Web Manufacturing Company, Chicago. Matching Underwear For Couples, Pride Rainbow Striped, Mix and Match from Men Boxer Brief, Women Thong-Hipster-Boy Short and BraletteThe 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. The 1933 Spalding Athletic Goods catalog carried a line of Spalding Supporters, Bike Supporters, and two kinds of “Aluminum Supporter Cups.” 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. Keep collections to yourself or inspire other shoppers! Keep in mind that anyone can view public collections - they may also appear in recommendations and other places.

A 1949 ad from O-C Manufacturing Co. has drawings of 6 different styles of supporter, plus a protective cup. The 1927 Supplee-Biddle Hardware Company of Philadelphia catalog carried “A Full Line of Elastic Bandages and Supporters.” Around 1947 the John B. Flaherty Co. made the “Bub” Duribilknit No. 78 “Freshly Knitted Athletic Supporter” with wide abdominal band and removable pouch attached with 4 metal snaps. An example of this supporter is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Costume Institute, New York. 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 1940 Bike ad depicts 2 baseball players, and has text reading, “Insist on BIKE for correct lasting support.” Bike Web Manufacturing Company.A 1948 ad shows a smiling young man saying, “for the winning edge players wear . . .” OLYMPIC CHAMPION V-front Athletic Supporter. 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. For a natural and more sustainable option go for organic cotton or BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) cotton which strives to make cotton production better for the people who produce it and better for the environment it grows in. In the 1950s and 1960s concern for physical fitness resulted in the mandatory use of athletic supporters by most boys in school P.E. classes. A 1940 Bike ad, “History of Sports, Basketball” reads, “Like basketball, athletic equipment has come a long way.” Bike Web Manufacturing Company, Chicago.

In March 1908 Reuben H. Huddleston filed a patent application for a “Supporter and Protector.” It was granted on November 10, 1908. It stayed this way until AIDS hit. As early as 1983, just a few years after the AIDS crisis was first reported, there had been 3,064 reported cases of AIDS — and 71 percent of them were gay or bisexual men. A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. 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.This BIKE® vintage-inspired sleeveless crop football jersey perfectly combines sporty and sexy. This mesh jersey...

A heavy duty cup was invented around 1930 by a Bronx opera fan named "Foulproof" Taylor; it was sold and used by boxers throughout the 1930s.An April 1940 Bike ad, “History of Sports, Tennis” shows a tennis player of centuries past. Bike Web Manufacturing Company, Chicago. In 1948 The Bike Web Co. of Chicago, IL placed an ad in the Boy Scouts of America Handbook: “Your Athletics Merit Badge - Want to qualify in the five athletic events? Then play safe by wearing an athletic supporter. Leading coaches, athletes and trainers say every boy who engages in a sport should wear a supporter. It protects delicate, sensitive parts by holding them snugly against the body. And by supporting them, it protects you from strain. For Safety in any Sport wear a BIKE SUPPORTER; More athletes have worn Bike Supporters than any other brand! Because for years Bike has worked closely with coaches, trainers and athletes to make Bike Supporters the best for protection, comfort and long wear. See your sporting goods store and choose the right supporter for your needs from the line of famous Bike Supporters. BIKE “STRAP” SUPPORTER – A 3” waistband all-elastic supporter that give extra-firm support, is sturdy, long-lasting, comfortable.” AllKink