Vesta Gallery – Debra Hartsell Gable

Vesta is a photographer and art director based in London, UK. Currently working for magazines and award-winning publications.

Early on in his career, when MGM was trying to establish a public persona for Gone with the Wind actor Clark Gable, they shot various photos of Gable in outdoorsy poses, wearing flannel shirts and holding fishing equipment and shotguns. Gable loved fishing and hunting in real life, owning a hunting lodge in California later on. Gable also rode polo ponies until MGM told him to stop, afraid that he would injure himself.

During the summer of 1953, Gable arranged his schedule so that he could travel to the UK to watch the British Open, known globally as “The Open,” in person. After the tournament, Gable played several rounds of golf in England, Scotland, and France using this set of golf clubs. Gable would often enjoy golfing between his filming schedule. The set of golf clubs that Gable owned and used included MacGregor Tommy Armour 3852MS Silver Scot Tourney irons, MacGregor Jimmy Demaret 1R32 W Tourney woods, which featured wood club heads and steel shafts, and an A.G. Spalding & Bros. “Cash-In” putter.

MacGregor A.G. Spaulding & Brothers, Fifth Ave, New York.

Clark Gable with Marilyn Monroe in The Misfits (1961) wearing Levi Jeans and Lucchese Boots

When he wasn’t starring in major Hollywood productions, Clark Gable enjoyed the pastime of shooting sports and gun collecting. So much so that he even had in his contract with MGM that he would make “no pictures during the hunting season.” Gable owned numerous firearms, some of which were gifts from Carole, who quickly picked-up the hunting bug after the two were married. It should come as no surprise then that in 1940 he presented the extravagant and rare golden Erich Klebe 20 Gauge Side Opening Over/Under Shotgun to the woman who was his hunting buddy as well as the love of his life. His collection included guns from Browning, Weatherby, Colt, Remington, and Smith & Wesson.