|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
L. Haugg. "Express Passenger Locomotive. Richard Norris & Son, Locomotive Builders, Philadelphia." From Colton's Atlas of America. New York: J.H. Colton & Co., 1856. 11 1/2 x 16 1/2. Lithographed by L. Haugg. Printed in color by A. Brett. Very good condition.
In 1856, J.H. Colton & Co. issued a Philadelphia commercial edition of its Atlas of America, on the cover of which was stamped "Colton's Atlas with Business Cards of the Prominent Houses in Philadelphia. Commercial Edition." This was an atlas in which the Colton firm sold different size advertisements to be placed within the atlas, so that among the fine maps of North and South America which appeared in all their atlases, this version included numerous advertisements for Philadelphia firms. Among these was this colorful lithograph of an express passenger locomotive built by the Richard Norris & Son company of Philadelphia. It shows on of the Norris firm's engines and in the background (at right) is a view of the Norris factory. The print is printed in colors, and the bright, imposing image of the engine make this one of the most desirable train prints of the mid-nineteenth century. $3,200
Jonathan Ord. "Iron City. M.W. Baldwin & Co. Locomotive Builders, Philadelphia." Philadelphia, ca. 1854. 21 x 35. Chromolithograph drawn by Max Rosenthal. Printed by L. N. Rosenthal. Several areas of the image expertly duplicated and in-painted by hand with several tears expertly conserved. Otherwise, print is in fine condition. Excellent appearance. Rare.
This print was issued by the Baldwin Locomotive works as an advertisement. These prints were issued in the form of an engineering drawing in order to correctly convey the product to its target audience. This print was issued during the zenith of builder's lithographs which extended from the 1840s to the end of the 1850's. The economic panic of the 1850s caused locomotive builders to issue fewer of these prints. Locomotive builders would later turn to photography to sell their products. The last builder's lithograph was issued in the early 1870s. Unfortunately, due to the size of the print few of impressions have survived thus making them extremely collectible and rare. The Iron City was a heavy freight locomotive built by the Baldwin Locomotive works for the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1854 and it was known to have been in operation until 1865. The locomotive is a flexible beam type patented by Baldwin in 1842 and produced until 1866.
Ord and Rosenthal issued a very similar print showing the Baldwin passenger locomotive Tiger. The Rosenthal family was originally from Polish Russia and composed of four brothers: Max, Louis, Simon and Morris. The first three were trained as lithographers in Europe. Max Rosenthal immigrated to America in the late 1840's, and worked for P.S. Duval in Philadelphia. After working for several lithographic firms, Max and his brother Louis set up their own business. This firm is mostly noted for their work in the development of chromolithography in the United States producing color prints of the finest quality. This print was initially acquired with several areas of the image missing. These areas were painstakingly restored by noted locomotive artist, writer and lecturer and former professor of art at Ursinus College, Ted Xaras, using his own example of the print to match the image exactly. The result is a magnificent restoration of one of the finest and rarest locomotive advertising prints ever issued. Ref: David Rousar. "Images of Iron Makers Pride." Imprint, Autumn 2008, p.2-18. $7,500
The following prints, except as noted, are hand colored lithographs, in very good condition, published by Currier & Ives in New York City.
A series of large engravings showing various engines and railroad cars. These came from a Zerah Colburn's history of the steam engine in America, England and on the Continent. This work contained sixty four large engravings. Precisely drawn and engraved, these prints are wonderful pieces of railroadiana.
The following prints, except as noted, are uncolored wood engravings in very good condition.
Fascinating historical images of the childhood of rapid transit. These prints are from a series done by C. Klackner depicting some of the most famous early passenger trains. The prints are based on accurate historic information, combining this interesting history with an impressive appearance.
A strong gouache drawing by Frank T. Bowers (1875-1932) of a steaming engine from the H.Y.C. & H.R., signed and dated in the lower right corner. The image was probably designed as an illustration, perhaps for a poster or time table. A dramatic drawing. $825
Joseph Pennell. "The Train Shed, Philadelphia." 1919. Etching. 12 x 9 3/4. Signed in pencil. Edition 50. Wuerth: 710.
Joseph Pennell (1860-1926) was an etcher, lithographer, illustrator and author. He is one of the best known and respected of American artists from the etching revival period. Born in Philadelphia, Pennell trained at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and at the Pennsylvania School of Industrial Art, and later he taught at the National Academy and the Art Students League in New York City. From 1883, Pennell spent most of his time in Europe, until 1917 when he moved back permanently to the United States. Over his distinguished and prolific career, he won many medals and awards in the United States and in Europe, and is considered one of the great etching innovators of the time. Amongst his other achievements, Pennell illustrated and authored many books, contributed to leading magazines and was one of the founders of the Philadelphia Society of Etchers. $750
Prints by Otto Kuhler. Etchings. Excellent condition.
Although best known for his industrial designs, Otto Kuhler (1894-1977) is well regarded as a fine artist and draftsman. Born in Germany, Kuhler was the sole heir to his family's successful steel business, Kuhler Forges. After WWI however, the business and his family's fortune were in ruins. After living briefly in Dusseldorf, and partly due to the advice of friend Joseph Pennell, he took up etching and emigrated to the States in 1923. Otto Kuhler's etchings of begrimed industry sprang from the same optimistic response to technology that led to his colorful streamlined designs for the Milwaukee, Lehigh and other railroads in the 1930's. His prints bridge art and industry -- freely-sketched scenes that celebrate precise engineering and industrial might. This merging of industry and art proved so successful that after years of submitting designs, a locomotive based on Kuhler's designs was built. The engine, Hiawatha, rolled out of the Schenectady, New York yard in May, 1935. It was the first streamlined steam locomotive to be built from scratch in America. This signaled the start of the next phase of his career- as a successful industrial designer.
All the posters have some surface wear and minor spots, with other condition issues noted. Overall appearance is good.
A wonderfully dramatic travel poster of the Arlberg Orient Express. $1,600
Go to page with other twentieth-century travel posters.
Place Order
For further information call, write, fax or e-mail to:
8441 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118 USA
(215) 242-4750 [Phone]
(215) 242-6977 [Fax]
PhilaPrint@PhilaPrintShop.com 
©The Philadelphia Print Shop, Ltd. Last updated November 17, 2009
