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This is a stunning, highly collectible piece of authentic mid-century Americana. It is a genuine 1953 advertising top-sheet calendar print featuring the iconic artwork of legendary American pin-up artist Rolf Armstrong.
Titled "Pretty As A Picture", this large-format print utilizes the vibrant Tintogravure process, which beautifully preserves the soft pastel tones and striking textures of Armstrong's original artwork. It was specially produced for The Frog, Switch & Manufacturing Co. based out of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and features the custom promotional lower banner text titled "Miss Carlisle".
Storage & Preservation:
This print has been meticulously cared for and is wrapped securely in protective plastic over rigid foam board. It has been stored completely flat—never rolled—ensuring that the edges remain crisp and free from the curling, heavy folding, or tube damage typical of vintage calendar sheets.
Item Details:
-Artist: Rolf Armstrong (1889–1960), widely regarded as the "Father of the American Pin-Up."
-Title:"Pretty As A Picture" (Stamped "Miss Carlisle" on the lower border).
-Date:1953 (Features the full historical backstory text sheet from the calendar intact on the reverse side).
-Original Hanging Cord Intact: Features the authentic factory-installed twine hanging loop threaded through the top hanger holes. It has not been removed, cut, or altered.
-Dimensions: Approximately 19 inches x 16-1/4 inches.
-Medium: High-quality vintage Tintogravure print on heavy paper/cardstock.
Condition Description:
Please review all pictures closely to accurately assess the vintage character of this 70+ year old piece:
-Color & Tone:The lithograph art itself remains remarkably vivid. There is a visible vertical age-toning / sunline running down the center of the upper cream-colored border, where the paper has taken on a slightly deeper vintage patina on one side over time.
-Edge & Border Wear:The lower edge of the print exhibits authentic wavy warping and light crimping/wrinkling along the margin (see close-up photos). There is also a light horizontal surface wrinkle on the paper border extending into the green framing stripe.
-Artwork & Display:The main pin-up artwork is clear, intact, flat, and displays beautifully under its protective wrap.
Shipping & Handling:
Because this item is already securely plastic-wrapped to a foam board, it will be packed flat between additional layers of heavy, double-walled corrugated cardboard. Shipped with tracking and insurance.
