H74.235.1C

World War II 1941-45
54 in HIGH x 26 in WIDE
(137.16 cm HIGH x 66.04 cm WIDE)
Gift of Bethlehem Steel Shipyards
H74.235.1C


Welder's outfit. Description: Welder's outfit or working gear, Bethlehem Shipyards, San Francisco. a: Welder's hood (Willson Helmet) Pat. 1399602 Pat. Re 16515. b: Welder's leather jacket, with brass fastenings in front and inside pocket. c: Welder's leather overalls with outside pockets, metal fastenings. d: Welder's leather gloves or mitts. . History: These were used in the above Bethlehem Shipyards in San Francisco during World War II, according to information given by Mr. Swisko and Mr. Young, Welding Department. From the History Information Station: These are parts of the protective gear that welders in all of the shipyards wore. The shift from riveting to welding, in building steel warships, was one of many changes in construction techniques that permitted the enormous output of the Bay Area shipyards during World War II. Welding was faster than riveting, and used less metal. Object: Brown suede leather jacket, used at the Bethlehem Steel Shipyards during World War II. History: Before the development of more advanced protective clothing, welders wore leather jackets like this one, leather gloves, and leather smocks, when they worked in factories and shipyards. The Liberty Ship program was America's first major contribution to World War II. At Bethlehem Steel shipyards in Alameda, at Moore in Oakland, at San Francisco's Hunter's Point, at Kaiser Steel's various Bay Area locations, and at other locations around the country, nearly 3,000 Liberty Ships were built to carry men and goods to war. The ships were constructed of enormous prefabricated pieces, and were put together using innovative welding techniques, rather than riveting. Gift of Bethlehem Steel Shipyards

Used: Bethlehem Shipyards | San Francisco | World War II | Welder

Bookmark and Share