1900 PUCK THEATRICAL MANAGERS BUNCO GAME TICKET SCALPING EHRHART PRINT For Sale

SELLER INVENTORY NOTE: JUD 06

SIZE

Approximately 21 x 13.75 inches overall.

ABOUT THIS PRINT

Original Puck centerfold titled “The Theatrical Manager’s Bunco-Game, and How He Works It,” illustrated by Samuel D. Ehrhart and published December 19, 1900 in Puck, Volume 48, No. 1241. The image satirizes dishonest theater management and the manipulation of ticket prices through speculators and scalpers.

At the center, a well-fed theatrical manager stands with money and tickets spilling from his hands and pockets. Four surrounding scenes show how advertised box-office prices and warnings against speculators conceal a coordinated scheme that forces the public to purchase tickets at inflated prices. The cartoon’s concluding line reads: “Manager.—Never fool the Public!”

Signed Ehrhart within the image and bearing the original Copyright 1900 by Keppler & Schwarzmann notice and J. Ottmann Lith. Co., Puck Bldg., N.Y. imprint. Its elaborate storytelling, theatrical subject matter and remarkably familiar commentary on ticket scalping make this an especially interesting and highly decorative Puck centerfold.

ABOUT THESE VINTAGE PRINTS

Judge and Puck were influential American illustrated humor and political satire publications of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their large-format color illustrations documented the political, social and cultural issues of their era through elaborate cartoons, caricatures and satirical artwork.

These surviving pages are now more than a century old and may show characteristics associated with their original publication, handling and storage. Each piece is being offered individually so its specific artwork and condition can be clearly photographed and described.

ORIGINAL VINTAGE ITEM

This is an original period piece and not a modern reproduction or reprint. No restoration, trimming, mounting, lamination or other alteration has been performed by me.

The item is being sold exactly as found.

PACKAGING & SHIPPING

These antique paper pieces are extremely delicate and must be handled with great care.

For protection during shipment, the item will be placed in a protective plastic sleeve, secured between two pieces of cardboard, and shipped inside a rigid mailer to help prevent bending or damage in transit.

PLEASE USE EXTREME CARE WHEN REMOVING THE ITEM FROM ITS PACKAGING.

Because of the age and fragile nature of the paper, pulling, bending, catching an edge, or handling it roughly could cause damage. Please remove the protective materials slowly and carefully and support the piece fully when handling.

BUY WITH CONFIDENCE

I have been an member since 1999 and take great pride in my 100% positive response and the care I put into every item I sell.

I do my best to describe and photograph each item accurately. If you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason, please contact me before leaving negative response so I have the opportunity to make things right.