Vintage "Esther Williams" Octagonal Residential Pool Salesman Sample by Delair

c. 1950s; International Swimming Pool Corp. - White Plains, NY

Highly detailed illuminated salesman sample display promoting Esther Williams residential swimming pools, housed within a custom folding presentation case finished in blue textured covering embossed with the Esther Williams logo. Designed for traveling sales representatives, the display features a scale model of an octagonal above-ground swimming pool complete with simulated water, white deck surround, yellow safety railings, entry ladders, landscaped grounds with miniature shrubbery and decorative stone borders, patio furnishings, and working miniature lighting powered through an apparent original electrical cord with inline rotary switch. A clear plexiglass cover protects the model during transport and presentation, while the interior lid retains six mounted promotional photographs illustrating completed Esther Williams pool installations and product details.

Founded in the late 1950s, International Swimming Pool Corporation served as the manufacturer and distributor for Esther Williams swimming pools during America's booming postwar backyard recreation movement. Esther Williams, the Olympic swimmer and MGM film star, licensed her name to premium residential pools that were heavily marketed through in-home demonstrations and dealer presentations. Salesman sample displays such as this provided prospective customers with a dramatic three-dimensional representation of the finished installation while complementing contemporary advertising materials proclaiming, "If you can afford a car you can have this pool in your backyard."

Shows overall very good condition with expected industry and sales use wear. The blue presentation case exhibits scattered scratches, gouges, minor loose threading, and general handling wear. The embossed manufacturer's logo remains visible. The plexiglass cover displays light scratches and scuffs consistent with use. Six original promotional photographs remain present and in good condition; evidence suggests the display may originally have held two additional photographs. Four detached components are present loose within the plexiglass enclosure. One section of the pool railing is broken but remains attached, as shown. Lighting was tested and is functional, and the apparent original electrical cord with inline rotary switch remains in place. Sold as is.

28" L x 5.75" W x 22.5" H (closed presentation case)

MM - 21712 - 071426

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