Vintagraph

The Pyrotomic Disintegrator Pistol, 1953 Patent

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:24 -0500

This toy ray gun was made by space-toy manufacturer Pyro Plastics Corporation of New Jersey and sold as the Pyrotomic Disintegrator Pistol during the 50s. Invented by Grover C. Schaible, the patent application was filed in 1952.

Newmann the Great

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:22 -0500

Magician C.A. Newmann, also known as Newmann the Great, was a mentalist who performed a hypnotism and mind-reading show around the United States, but primarily in the Midwest, at the turn of the century. Warning: Touching the mentalist may result in a severe shock!

Magician Harry Kellar in His Latest Mystery: Self Decapitation

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 16:22 -0500

American magician Harry Kellar performed in the United States and around the world during the turn of the century and was a predecessor of Harry Houdini. This advertising poster was for Keller's Self Decapitation trick, c. 1897.

Food Will Win the War, Yiddish version

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:36 -0500

Another version of the previous poster with the text in Yiddish, translated: "Food will win the war. You came here seeking freedom, now you must help to preserve it. Wheat is needed for the allies. Waste nothing." This World War I poster from the United States Food Administration was illustrated by Charles Edward Chambers, c. 1917.

Food Will Win the War, World War I Poster

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:31 -0500

"Food will win the war. You came here seeking freedom, now you must help to preserve it. Wheat is needed for the allies. Waste nothing." This World War I poster from the United States Food Administration shows immigrants arriving in New York harbor, with the Statue of Liberty beneath a rainbow. Illustrated by Charles Edward Chambers, c. 1917.

The First Thanksgiving

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:23 -0500

Pilgrims and Native Americans celebrate the first Thanksgiving in 1621. This is a reproduction of an oil painting from the series "The Pageant of a Nation." The painting is by artist Jean Leon Gerome Ferris and was published by The Foundation Press, Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio, c. 1932.

The World's Best Design for a Barbecue Stand

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:07 -0500

Vintagraph is not in the habit of handing out awards, but we proclaim this the World's Best Design for a Barbecue Stand. The illustration is from a 1933 patent application by William H. Alston of San Antonio, Texas. If you know of one in existence, please drop us a line. We would be willing to drive a great distance to buy pulled-pork from this pig. Oink.

Grand Canyon: 1938

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:11 -0500

You thought the Grand Canyon was created by the forces of nature and the hand of God. Actually, it's a "free government service." Thank you, Uncle Sam. You do fine work. Circa 1938 National Park Service silkscreen poster for Grand Canyon National Park.

They Like Winter in New York State

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:11 -0500

This Federal Art Project poster puts a positive spin on biting cold while promoting winter sports in New York: "They like winter in New York State. The state that has everything." Does "everything" include frostbite? The poster was created by Jack Rivolta between 1936 and 1941.

October's "Bright Blue Weather," WPA Literacy Poster

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:14 -0500

A circa 1940 Illinois WPA Art Project poster promoting literacy: "October's 'Bright Blue Weather.' A Good Time to Read!"