Tom of Finland × Physique Pictorial – Lot of 6 Original Issues (Bob Mizer / AMG)

Description

Tom of Finland—born Touko Laaksonen—left an unmistakable mark on 20th-century visual culture, especially within gay iconography. And there’s no better way to collect his early published works than through Physique Pictorial, the magazine that gave him his first real platform. This lot includes six issues, each featuring either Tom’s instantly recognizable cover art or internal spreads, making it a focused treasure trove for the dedicated Tom of Finland enthusiast. From bikers and leather studs to chiseled hunks and daring glances, these original magazines hold the roots of a visual revolution. Whether you’re a longtime collector or just entering the arena, this is your chance to own a piece of underground history.

This auction includes six original Physique Pictorial issues from the golden era of male beefcake publishing. Each one priced at 35¢ on the cover, all published by Bob Mizer’s Athletic Model Guild (AMG). Known for clean photographic work and illustrations disguised as “fitness motivation,” the real value lay in its coded queer representation—particularly through Tom’s illustrations. These aren’t just magazines—they’re artifacts of resistance, desire, and outsider art. And they look damn good on a shelf.