Edward McKnight Kauffer "Keep It Under Your Stetson" Poster #1
EDWARD MCKNIGHT KAUFFER (1890-1954) KEEP IT UNDER YOUR STETSON. 1942. 39x29 inches, 99x73 3/4 cm. John B. Stetson & Co., Philadelphia. Using a photograph of a hat (it is, after all, a hat poster first and foremost!) Kauffer depicts a man in profile staring at a distant factory, the inner workings of his brain are displayed like blue-prints. The dark shadows around the edge of the frame add intensity and drama to the image. Sold at auction in 2018 for $2,500 USD
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Thank you for your appraisal inquiry with MeArto. The item presented appears to be an original 1942 offset lithograph World War II propaganda poster designed by Edward McKnight Kauffer (American, 1890 - 1954) and published by John Stetson & Co., Philadelphia. The poster is known as "Keep It Under Your Stetson" and was Stetson's version of the phrase "keep it under your hat." Kauffer was a prolific designer whose 20th century posters combined the Bauhaus and Art Deco styles. His posters were simplistic, yet powerful in their delivery. The poster here does present a few condition issues including tears, ripples, and creases. The estimate provided is based on recent auction estimates and results of this poster in good condition.
My pleasure, Sam. As for selling the item, when you submitted the item, you were asked if you wanted to sell the item. If you selected "Yes" or "Maybe," the item was placed in a database that is accessed by auction houses. If an auction house expresses interest, they will contact you. You can find out more from our Consignment page (https://mearto.com/consign).
Ok, thank you.
Can you tell me a grade that you would give this poster? A+, A, A-, B, etc..?
Hello Sam,
A grade referring to what?
We don't apply grades to artworks because there are many contributing factors and the market is often in flux. One month a work may be valuable, the next, not so much.
Sorry, I'm new to this arena. I meant condition. The link below has the same poster with a condition of A-
Just curious as to the condition of mine :)
Hi Sam.
That "grade" appears to be a dealer or sale tactic.
Based on the images updated here, I would note the following conditions to prospective buyers -
curling of sheet due to storage;
warping and creases to sheet;
tears to edges (I'd measure and note the tears in inches or centimeters);
general wear-and-tear, consistent with age
Without formally evaluating the poster in person and based on the images, I would "label" this poster in Good-Fair condition. I would not consider it to be in "great" or "excellent" condition due to the tear(s), which is the main concern to buyers. I would suggest consulting with a Paper conservator to help you stabilize the poster to prevent any further damage.
Thank you Sara. I would like to discuss selling it. Is that something I discuss with you?