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Naval History and Heritage Command
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Artifacts, World War II (WWII), Conflicts and Wars
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  • Recreation
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  • World War II 1939-1945
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Hand-knotted bikini made by PhoM2c Fein for his fiancée


Handmade Bikini, made by PhoM2c Murray Fein for fiancé Ruth Rosenthal, WWII C. 1944

Title: Handmade Bikini, made by PhoM2c Murray Fein
Accession #: NHHC 2015.039.001
Circa: 1944
Size: 
Medium: Fabric
Location: Headquarters Artifact Collection, Naval History and Heritage Command

One hand-knotted bikini top and loincloth made from parachute rope and lined with bright pink silk on the inside of the top and bottoms. Parachute cord make up the fringe and tassels. The pieces are secured by rope on the reverse. 


Murray Fein

Murray and Ruth Fein

Photographer’s Mate Second Class Murray Fein, USNR made this bikini for his fiancée, Ruth Rosenthal, while deployed during World War II. Fein enlisted in the Navy on 12 June 1943 when he was seventeen. Stationed to NAS Jacksonville, Fein’s responsibilities included taking public relations photographs of Navy Leadership, USO shows, and the Navy football and basketball teams. PhoM2c Fein requested Active Duty status and, in the closing months of the war, deployed to Guiuan, Samar Island, Philippines. Honorably discharged on 20 April 1946, Fein returned home and married Ruth in September 1946.


Handmade Bikini, made by PhoM2c Murray Fein for fiancé Ruth Rosenthal, WWII C. 1944 Reverse


Handmade Bikini, made by PhoM2c Murray Fein for fiancé Ruth Rosenthal, WWII C. 1944 Side View

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Published: Mon Jun 22 11:51:26 EDT 2020