This vest was worn by Bob Nolan, a member of the singing group Sons of the Pioneers, at least fifteen times over the years. The group appeared in over one hundred films from the 1930s through the 1950s. They generally played themselves and were almost always responsible for their costumes unless something special was called for in a scene, such as a military uniform.

Westerns of the time frequently had actors provide their own costumes, and because Westerns typically only featured basic work clothes, it would be next to impossible to document the re-use of many of these costumes. However, sometimes a specific and distinctive piece, such as this vest worn by Nolan, pops up. Supposedly, Nolan gave the vest to a fan after he retired.

The costume was seen five times in 1942 in the films Romance on the Range, Sons of the Pioneers, Call of the Canyon, Sunset Serenade, and Heart of the Golden West. The following year Nolan would wear the piece in Idaho and King of the Cowboys.

In 1944 it appeared in The Yellow Rose of Texas and Lights of Old Santa Fe, and in 1947 in Springtime In the Sierras and On the Old Spanish Trail. Nolan would wear the costume four more times in 1948 in The Gay Ranchero, Under California Stars, Eyes of Texas, and Night Time In Nevada.

It’s highly likely, considering the number of films that Nolan made, that this costume appears even more than we have documented here, so be sure to be on the lookout if you are a fan of old westerns!

Let us know what you think about this costume’s history!