Edition: Unknown. Images printed by lead stereotype. Mechanically signed and titled in the blocks; "Lon Megargee," lower right; titled in the blocks, lower left.

Sheet size: 12" x 8 3/4" (304 x 222 mm).

References: Fahlman 2002:116; Winkelman 1997:21.

NOTE: Although many people sell these Lon Megargee portfolio prints as being either woodcuts or linocuts, they are most certainly made from lead stereotypes and printed by the letterpress process. The lead and wood stereotype allowed for a multitude of prints to be made from a single image, and unlike linocuts or woodcuts, did not breakdown as quickly. Instead of tens or hundreds of prints being pulled by hand, thousands of prints could be run off on a platen press in just a few hours. Stereotypes were made by sending a single printed proof, or any ordinary illustrated copy, to a business specializing in their production. They were there created and shipped back to a production printshop for printing. On these particular prints the printer did not pay too much attention to his impression and allowed his letterpress tympan to rise a little high. This resulted in good ink coverage but the printed paper was too tightly compressed. This left a visible, and very tactile, raised impression on the back of the sheets.    

One question that remains, is how did Lon Megargee get these printed during World War Two, when paper, especially good rag laid paper, was so heavily rationed.

For more information on this portfolio "CLICK HERE," or click on the image to the right.

$1500.00

Edition: Unknown, but probably less than 100. Signed, Lon Megargee, lower right; titled, Navajo Ponies, center; description, lower left Block Print. All annotations are in pencil. Also, signed in the plate, Lon Megargee, lower left, with Arizona beneath.

Image: 7 5/16 x 8 15/16 inches (185 x 227 mm). Sheet: 9 3/4 x 12 inches (247 x 304 mm).

References: Fahlman 2002:80-81, 116, 117; Megargee 1933:Plate 8.

Excellent condition. Good original margins. A fine impression of black ink on cream wove paper, watermarked "Made in USA" and "Alexand...," which is probably "Alexandra Japon" paper. Navajo Ponies was one of the twenty-eight prints reproduced in the 1933 book The Cowboy Builds a Loop, done in collaboration with playwright poet, Roy George. Navajo Ponies date of creation obviously precedes 1933, and was probably printed in the late 1920s.

$1250.00