Original 1960s King Louie Ten Strike short sleeve bowling shirt in a bold yellow colorway. Features classic chain stitch embroidery on the back reading “VISTA 1968” with a large BPOE Elks Lodge emblem, along with smaller embroidered details on the front. Traditional loop collar design with chest pocket and adjustable side cinch tabs at the hem. Made in USA and tagged size Large.

Condition:
Discoloration is present throughout the shirt, consistent with age and wear. Some loose chain stitch embroidery is visible on the back, particularly around the lettering. The bottom hem appears to be missing some of the original cinch buttons; however, the hem still closes with one button on each side. Light general wear throughout. No major structural issues noted. Please see photos for full condition reference.

Material:
The fiber content tag is missing. Based on feel and drape, the fabric appears consistent with a silk/rayon blend commonly used in 1960s bowling shirts, but exact fiber content cannot be confirmed.

Embroidery & Significance:
“BPOE” stands for Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a longstanding American fraternal organization. The large embroidered emblem on the back is the Elks Lodge insignia, featuring a clock and elk head motif, commonly used by local lodges for team shirts, events, and bowling leagues. “VISTA 1968” likely references a Vista, California Elks Lodge team or chapter and the year the shirt was issued or worn for league play. Shirts like this were typically custom-made for lodge members and were not mass-produced, making them desirable pieces of mid-century fraternal and bowling history.

Measurements (laid flat):
Underarm to Underarm: 26 in / approx. 66 cm
High Point Shoulder to Hem: 24.25 in / approx. 61.6 cm
Sleeve Length: 9 in / approx. 22.9 cm
Hem Across: approx. 22.5 in / approx. 57.2 cm

A strong late-1960s fraternal bowling shirt with bold chain stitch embroidery and honest wear, offering excellent character and collectible appeal.

Good luck from Laurence & Sally of Baggage Battles and Storage Wars; currently roundthebend.tv