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1930s KookBox Hollow Wood Antique Surfboard

About the Item

Late-1930s KookBox hollow wood surfboard. Purchased initially by a WWII veteran stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii who was later killed in action during the war. Upon his death, the soldier's belongings, along with this surfboard was mailed from Oahu, Hawaii to his family in Northern California. This antique wooden surfboard features a hollow ribbed construction, inspired by designs used to construct the wings of airplanes. The invention of this method of surfboard construction was patented by renowned inventor and water man, Tom Blake. His invention ushered in wide scale adoption of the sport of surfing for the first time. The design reduced the weight of surfboards from around 100 pounds to well under 50 pounds. This is a truly special example of a historical wooden surfboard, previously owned by one of America's fallen heroes.
  • Similar to:
    Tom Blake (Designer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 145 in (368.3 cm)Width: 25 in (63.5 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1937-1939
  • Condition:
    Repaired: Various minor wooden repairs made, most notable on the deck (lighter pieces of wood). Images are good representation of condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Haleiwa, HI
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5290224882782
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