Elmer Batters

Tip Top, Volume 2, Number 1
American Art Agency, Inc.
North Hollywood, California
1962

digital replica

In the 1950s, Elmer Batters first presented his photographs in magazines he published, such as Black Silk Stockings and Leg-O-Rama. Possibly due to tax issues, those publications were discontinued, and he began working with American Art Agency on a number of magazines that focused on legs and stockings.

Among the best know of his 1960s ventures was Tip Top. The first issue of volume two lists Elmer A. Batters as Advisory Editor. His contributions include letters to Elmer Batters with his replies and a collection titled Eleven of the Best from Elmer's Figure file. By the curves and architecture they present, it appears that all photographs in this issue showing models in FF nylons were taken by the famous lensman.

In FOOTNOTES, Editor Charles Simpson announces — “ . . . we declared our single-minded devotion to the cause of beautiful legs. And now, with the start of our second year, we're still proud to attest our continued belief in them — even more so than ever.

"And since you too believe in them, and Elmer Batters remains forever faithful to the curvilinear cause . . . . Mr. Batters . . . decided to take some positive steps toward consolidating and perpetuating our favorite pastime.”

In his Call to Arms for Leg Men, the prolific photographer proposes a Leg-Watchers League for men around the world. He writes that leg worship “. . . can be practiced whenever and wherever you find yourself. Legs . . . are made to be admired . . . ”

An array of lovely limbs in full-fashioned hosiery demonstrates his assertions.

Shapely young models pose in sheer stockings, either FF or RHT, and most have garter belts, panties and shoes with three-inch heels. As was typical of the product of this publisher, photos show air-brush high-lights on stockings and other curved volumes of models' bodies.


Illustrated with photographs, an essay by Harlan Weir explains that “leg watching is far more than a pleasant pastime. It's a full-fledged art form with an ancient and honorable history.”


One pictorial shows London models in nylons. Norman Winston interviews and photographs sultry stripper Baby Bubbles.

Other pictorials expose the seductive curves of Laine Coolin, Anita Steinbaur, Abbey Leigh, Jane Smith, Chris, Bambi, Tiara and Sallie Ayers. Donna Ziegler tunes up a Chevy Impala with whitewalls. No sneakers.

The tonality of photos was adjusted, shadows reduced and many specks retouched.






All new scans.

Every page of the original is shown in the ebook. The sequence of pages was revised to accomplish continuing of a short story titled The Sleek Black Nylon Caper.

The back cover invites us “ . . . to uncover the fairest horde of treasure known to mankind . . . Just join in TIP TOP'S own incredibly delightful divertissement from the tip of the toes to the top of the hose.” The 50-year-old, 80-page magazine transposed nicely to ebook form.

One ebook, delivered by download from your 30th Street Graphics account.