Jack Kerouac On The Road-Era Sleeping Bag, with Impressive Provenance

A sleeping bag personally owned and used by Jack Kerouac (1922-1969), the famous American writer who brought us On The Road (1957). Provenance: The piece will be accompanied by an estate certification signed by John Shen-Sampas, executor of the Kerouac Estate by descent. John Shen-Sampas is the son of John Sampas, who was the brother-in-law of Jack Kerouac, and the brother of Stella Kerouac, Jack's wife.

Belfer Corporation Mountain M-1949 Sleeping Bag, stamped "26 June 1951", and with a partial stock number of "--8330-03110". Military drab nylon shell, down and feather stuffing, and heavy-duty side zipper. Comes with an outer protective bag. The size large "Mummy style" sleeping bag zips completely over the head for maximum warmth. Stamped "U.S." at base exterior, and also stamped with product information inside the bag around shoulder height. The sleeping bag has a few pulled threads and feathers, and scattered scuffs, else fully functional and in near fine condition. The protective bag has a small tear and scattered water stains and other discoloration. The sleeping bag measures 27" at widest, 16" at narrowest, and measures approximately 86" long.

Belfer Corporation was contracted by the U.S. government to manufacture its sleeping bags (which explains the "U.S." stamp), but the products were also available to the civilian market. Kerouac may have been familiar with this type of sleeping bag, as he served in the U.S. Merchant Marine in 1942 and was invalided out of the U.S. Navy in 1943.

Dated 1951, this sleeping bag thus dates from the On The Road-era. It probably predates Kerouac's actual extended road trip, which he completed with friend Neal Cassady between 1947-1950. The pair had traversed the United States and Mexico, stopping at San Francisco, Denver, New York City, Virginia, New Orleans, Detroit, Mexico City, Washington, D.C., Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Chicago among a myriad of other detours. Did Kerouac use a similar sleeping bag during his travels, unfurling it in train station lobbies or while couch-surfing? Was the one he used during his iconic road trip worn out from excessive use--was this its replacement?

On the Road was completed in April 1951, though it was not published until six years later.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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