L.L Bean – Hunting Gear from 1941

Whatever you think of the mumsy style of LL Bean these days and the self-butchering of their own heritage, once upon a time it was about as hard core as you could get if you wanted a spot of upland hunting.

This photo series appeared in LIFE magazine in 1941. Some elements are still available in pretty much the same styles. Duck hunting boots of course – from early 1900s functional to 1980s Parisian BCBG Yuppies and back.