In the Spring of 1954 newspaper readers were offered, for the price of a self-addressed stamped envelope, “The Peanuts Album.” a twelve page booklet featuring the then stars of Charles M. Schulz‘s comic strip. As the promo above notes there were 10,000 of the items printed, now a rarity.
But now the original art for the booklet has surfaced and is up for auction!
Historic early multi Peanuts character illustrations from the hand of Peanuts creator, Charles Schulz (1922 – 2000).
In this extraordinary group of illustrations are eight classic Peanuts characters including: Snoopy with his early dog house and TV antenna (6″ x 8″), Lucy (5″ x 8″), Patty (6″ x 8″), Good ol’ Charlie Brown (5″ x 8″), Schroeder at his piano (6″ x 8″), Violet (6″ x 8″), Shermy (5″ x 8″), and Linus (5″ x 8″). The artwork was rendered in pen and marker on illustration paper. The eight pieces are in one frame of 33″ x 24″. Frame sold as-is. This artwork was used by the syndicate to advertise a Peanuts booklet that was made available in 1953/1954.
Hat tip to Animation Magazine which has more details.
Elsewhere in the land of Peanuts
For those of us who won’t be bidding (it’s at $10,000.00 now and the auction is still two weeks from opening) there are some stocking stuffers that are a bit more affordable.
Scott Shaw! and Nat Gertler remind us that Peanuts ReAction Figures are available.
While I’m partial to the 1950s, the concensus seems to favor Mr. Sack.
It’s good to see “Original Patty’ – Shermy and Violet again.