18a The Arrest (ERTR-1) Apr'58

Royale's Catalogue Thumbnail Image for ERTR-1*
(*I always reverse Royale's numbering - for modern, sort sequencing)

ERTR-1 was the first collaborative effort of Eric White and Trefor (surname unknown). They were two genuine soldiers from the Welsh Guards, according to the Royale Catalogue (1-RUG description). 

 

This set appears in List 'A' of the 1960 Royale Catalogue, which was a selection of the most popular sets from 1957-8. The description for the related, ERTR-3 set, states that ERTR-1 was originally part of Catalogue List 3, which I have tentatively dated to April 1958 (see table at foot of the Royale Catalogue Article).  

 

The earliest mention of 'The Arrest' in the beefcake press was in the December 1958 edition of Tomorrow's Man. Solo pictures of Eric White have been tentatively dated to mid-1958, supporting the earlier dating of ERTR-1. 

 

Royale's Catalogue Description for ERTR-1

Royale's catalogue description of the set gives a good outline of the plot. Notice that it also makes a play of the 'kinky', military clothing. The depiction of models, partially dressed in military uniforms with key garments adapted to heighten their erotic effect, was a Royale innovation in the UK. The effect of shortening and tightening military style shorts is vividly illustrated in the image above. These models may also be wearing their own, peaked, Guardsman caps. 

We are fortunate to have a copy of the thumbnail sheet for the set, which is priced in the listing above at a princely sum of 5 shillings (only £0.25 then but equivalent to £25 today based on inflation alone, or closer to £100 if relative earnings are taken into account). A beefcake magazine like 'Man Alive', which cost 3/6 in its day (approx £0.17) typically has an asking price of around £100 on eBay today.

View 'The Arrest' (ERTR-1)