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Klamath River King Salmon Catch 1938 Buick Sedan California Photo c1940Description:
Outstanding original snapshot photograph, circa 1940, showing a successful salmon fishing expedition on theKlamath River in Northern California. A smiling young boy, woman, and man proudly display three enormous freshly caught salmon beside a handsome late-1930s Buick sedan, with a rustic roadside fishing camp visible in the background.
The three impressive fish appear to beChinook salmon (king salmon), recognizable by their substantial bodies, large mouths, and broad tails. Their identification is consistent with the Klamath River\'s celebrated fall Chinook run, which historically brought large numbers of migrating salmon into the river during September and October. The fish are exceptionally large in proportion to the people holding them, making this a particularly striking example of early California sport-fishing photography.
The automobile is another excellent feature. Its streamlined four-door sedan body, rounded roofline, divided side windows, chrome trim, and particularly the distinctive horizontal hood ventilation grilles closely match a1938 Buick Special Series 40 sedan. The light-colored body with contrasting darker fenders is especially attractive. The identification is considered probable, although the cropped front end prevents absolute confirmation of the model.
Behind the group is a partially obscured roadside sign advertisingcabins, groceries, and fishing tackle, suggesting the photograph was taken at a fishing resort, tourist camp, or riverside supply establishment. Another period automobile is partly visible at the far left, while the photographer\'s shadow falls across the foreground. The boy wears a cap and dark jacket, the woman a tailored coat and headscarf, and the man a casual outdoor jacket and trousers. All three smile proudly at the camera while displaying their remarkable catch.
The reverse bears a contemporary pencil inscription reading“Klamath R. Sept”, followed by“Just a few days before Del was taken sick.”This poignant family notation identifies the river and month while preserving a personal connection to the unidentified individuals.
The Klamath River, flowing from southern Oregon through Northern California to the Pacific Ocean, was historically one of the West Coast\'s great salmon rivers. Since Copco No. 1 Dam, completed in 1918, prevented ocean-run salmon from reaching the Oregon portion of the river, the large salmon catch strongly suggests this photograph was taken somewhere along theCalifornia section of the Klamath. The precise fishing camp remains unidentified.
An exceptionally appealing piece of original vernacular photography combining giant trophy salmon, a desirable prewar Buick automobile, family recreation, roadside fishing tourism, and the sporting history of the American West. Strong crossover interest for collectors of antique fishing photographs, California history, vintage automobiles, and outdoor Americana.
Condition:
VG.
Measurements:
Photographic image measures approximately 4 7/8 × 3 inches, with additional white photographic borders.
Keywords:
Klamath River, Northern California, Chinook salmon, king salmon, trophy salmon, salmon fishing, sport fishing, anglers, fishing camp, fishing tackle, roadside cabins, fishing resort, 1938 Buick Special, Buick Series 40, vintage automobile, prewar Buick, 1940s fishing, outdoor recreation, family snapshot, original photograph, Western Americana, Klamath salmon run, fishing history.
I am selling my own personal collection of unique postcards, postal history, and ephemera.
Smoke-free and dry-humidity household.
Everything is guaranteed as described.I need to downsize my collections as I am moving overseas for personal reasons.
I will combine shipping costs with other lots.
Many more postcards and items are coming.
