I've just obtained some old magazines; thought this might be interesting. This is 'Practical Engineering' from Feb.1940. This was during what was known as the Phoney War: Hitler had invaded Poland & we had declared war on Germany, but not much was happening. It was not until May 1940 that Hitler invaded France & the war really began. Looking at the adverts in the magazine, it was clear that the war was very much in peoples' minds.
It's interesting that they should start a new magazine at that time, and a weekly too, when paper supply was restricted. The supply of wood pulp from Scandinavia was cut off and there was a drive to collect waste paper and rags. The paper quality was poor and yellowed, as seen here. Remember the 'Wartime Economy Book Publishing' symbol? Nice find, Chris. I bet they are full of good technical stuff but not giving any war secrets away! Bri
Bri; no, I don't remember that economy symbol. I remember the one on furniture & clothing, but I can't find an illustration. I think that in 1940, shortages hadn't made themselves fully felt. I've scanned some more pages, this time from " Practical Mechanics" from 1943 & 1944. On the first page of the Feb 1944 one, there's a note about the paper shortage, just below the heading; same in the April 1943 one. In both, there's quite a few pages of "The Cyclist" but nothing from "Practical Motorist" or "Home Movies" Hope you all find these scans interesting.
Just a bit more from the cycling section. This from 1947. Discussing the cost of touring.
"I should think it needs all of a pound a day to meet the complete expenses of a cycling tour, and that is not reckoning such personal items as tobacco, strong liquor and postage stamps."
And this advert; I can't really believe that the double entendre was intentional, but I think it's hilarious; look at the marvellous shy, eyes-cast-down expressions.
Here's the economy symbol, 2''x1.1/2'', on an electronics book of 1948.
Those small ads bring a lot back! Chemistry sets... I could buy a lot of nasty chemicals with glass and rubber tubing at the chemist in Bebington Road, between the station and Barlow Ave. What was the name? Used to spend hours glass-bending, over the gas stove flame. Got a bunsen burner later. Gas was cheap then! Penny in the slot meter AND a rebate! Home-made fireworks were popular at any time of the year, naturally. Potassium chlorate, strontium nitrate, sulphur, iron filings and charcoal in un-remembered proportions! We survived somehow!
Which reminds me of war surplus equipment, Whitechapel, Praed Street, Tott. Court Road.....OK,thats enough, some other time...
Thanks for that Bri; I remember it now. I too was an amateur chemist. Don't know the name of yours, but mine was in Prenton Rd.West, opposite the Rovers' ground. He was a great old guy who taught me a lot. Sold me my first camera too, an old 1/2plate one, with glass plates, not film. He rejoiced in the name of Percy Kingdom Bottomley. In about 1955 I worked for a time at J.W.Towers, laboratory suppliers, at the top of Brownlow Hill; that was great, I could get anything I wanted & even sometimes had stuff delivered. Yes, we did survive, with most of our parts.
