wecandoit

I think that's a rivet gun, not a hand drill.

Thanks! For now, we’re gathering the suggestions and corrections, but holding off on making changes until more comments come in.

Definitely a drill - note electric cable and the actual bit between the open fingers. This looks more like a training jig where a "bad" rivet is drilled out and replaced. Rarely is work so convenient..

I'm pretty sure it's Pnuematic, (air pressure) I used virtually the same thing when I was a mechanic for the Israeli Air Force working on F-16a/b's While a drill bit may be installed, I believe it is used as a screwdriver here. Screws are used in panels which would need to be opened frequently for repairs.

Also - you should link to the other image of this woman here: www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/2179038448/in/s... This is more of a snapshot that gives the woman's identity; the other photo is more of a work of art. Both are gorgeous.

Space Age Retro springs to mind

a most beautiful collection. i've just begun to look. thank you!

That's acrylic glass (plastic).

I love the home knit hair net that matches the outfit. Boy, talk about a different time!

My new desktop! Thank you for publishing these photos - keep them coming!

this is a wonderful shot! and the colors- were they restored?

I was trying to think of a tag that said something like "beginning of women's liberation movement" but more concise- ideas?

Wow, amazing photo.

That's really gorgeous!

Great shot, the details are amazing.

Excellent photo! Love the colors. It blows my mind how this photo survived with great colors! I enjoy the color match of her lipstick and the pen in her hand. I also like the history..how people dressed back then and actually "dolled" up for work like this woman in the 40's.