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Posted 10 years ago
aeplanner
(1 item)
Bought this at an auction last night. Loved the colors and the fact they kept it framed even though the frame is not sized for it. Measures 16.5 x 12.5 in. Not really sure how old it is or even if it is authentic.
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Definitely not an "authentic" or original lithograph as us poster collectors call them. The first red flag is the size of the poster, your is much too small to be an original. Next, although hard to see in your photos, the number on the top right of your poster appears to read "R-B-2021" (Not sure what your second letter is, so I am guessing it is a "B") if I am correct with these number, they do not match up to the size of your poster, they match up to the original lithograph printing of this poster between 1917-1920 and was a large 1-sheet sized poster.
This image has been reproduced many times over the years, not sure which year yours was printed, but certainly not an original lithograph. I hope I was of some help.
It is a help. I did check it under magnification and noticed it was machine made and not the period stone lithograph. Even the fakes have appeal to them. I do like the size and I'm still having it framed properly but marking it on the back as a fake.
Yes, glad you are able to tell the difference between a stone lithograph and a reproduction or even an offset litho. That always helps and is good to know when shopping. Most people have no idea how to tell the difference. That being said, frame and display what you like, even if it is not an original lithograph. If the image makes you happy that's all that matters. I hope you didn't spend too much on it, but do enjoy it and feel free to contact me ANYTIME should you find yourself needing help with identifying an original before you buy, I am always happy to help if I can.
Incidentally, this poster features the great clown George Hartzell, who was the boss clown on the Ringling Bros Circus starting in 1901. He retired in 1925 and died in 1941. He was known as "The Millionaire Clown" in part because of his elaborate wardrobe. As mentioned above - this is definitely a reproduction of a poster that was first issued about 1916 and was used with some variation into the early 1920s. An original one sheet (42"x28") of this poster sold at auction in 2013 for over $3000.00