A colorful collection of 17 unused vintage ink blotters combining Earl Moran’s pin-up illustrations with advertising for H. N. Crowder Jr. Co., an electrical and industrial supply business serving Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley.
Published by Brown & Bigelow of St. Paul, Minnesota, the cards pair playful captions and illustrated scenes with promotions for motor repairs, industrial machinery, paints, electrical equipment, and construction work.
All 17 blotters are offered together as one lot.
Earl Moran (1893–1984) was one of America’s leading pin-up illustrators, celebrated for his calendar and commercial artwork. His career also included paintings of a young Marilyn Monroe; the models on these particular cards have not been identified. Visible signatures are printed within the illustrations.
The advertiser’s locations are listed as:
• 444 Union Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania
• 624 Lehigh Drive, Easton, Pennsylvania
• 1107 Eaton Avenue, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Historical advertising and a 1957 engineering directory confirm the company’s presence in the region.
Estimated mid-20th-century production, likely 1940s–1950s. Exact printing dates are unverified.
CONDITION
New old stock, unused as blotters, with age-related storage wear. Scattered small spots, light toning, and minor edge and corner wear are visible. The artwork retains strong color, and the advertising remains readable. The blue reverse shown has no visible ink-use marks.
Please review the photographs for the individual designs and condition details.
An engaging collection for enthusiasts of vintage illustration, industrial advertising, and Lehigh Valley history.
Price includes shipping within the United States. Packed flat with protective backing.