Coin Op & Advertising - Spring Classic Part 1 - Day 3
Lot 2248a:
Description
These two complete, full-year vintage pin-up advertising calendars from the “Military Grill” in Kenmore, New York, offer a quintessential slice of 1950s Americana. Representing the full 1956 and 1957 calendar years, these pieces feature the iconic “pin-up” style of celebrated artist Edgar Earl MacPherson (1910–1993), a highly influential American illustrator known for his mastery of the “pin-up” genre. MacPherson achieved widespread fame in the 1940s, most notably for his popular “Artist’s Sketch Pad” calendar series. His signature style—which you can see in these pieces—often featured a vibrant, finished central pin-up figure accompanied by smaller, gestural pencil sketches of the same model in various poses. Commercial Success: His work was in high demand for advertising, including famous commissions for the Shaw-Barton Calendar Company and a highly successful series of pin-up playing cards for Brown & Bigelow. His illustration “Going Places” became so iconic that it was licensed by Lucky Strike cigarettes for their 1942 calendar. While MacPherson was struck with polio in 1951, his studio—often under the guidance of assistant Jerry Thompson—continued to produce these highly sought-after, playful, and idealized illustrations that defined post-war commercial art. Both calendars are complete, though they exhibit expected corner bumps, light creasing, and minor storage wear consistent with their age. The paper stock and spiral bindings remain largely intact, with solid hanging holes and only superficial signs of handling. H 12.75″, W 9.5″, D 0.25″. Please see photos for condition.
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