guitar joe - Posted - 01/11/2017:  20:15:18

Hello Mando Hangout Forumites! My apologies in advance to the moderators, if I am over-posting, or inappropriately posting, this topic. I could use some valued insight here... 

Years ago, I acquired some rare and original Gibson catalog "artwork" (photographic prints from which the catalog images were reproduced). The collection includes twelve photographic prints, as well as a C.V. Buttleman signed letter, on Gibson letterhead (in stamped, addressed envelope), ca. Dec. 10, 1919, and original Catalog "M" ca. 1921.

The photographic materials were most certainly once in the possession of Former Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Company sales manager, C.V. Buttleman. The Photographs are the original Master (artwork) prints that were used in the printing of Gibson catalogs, ca.1920's. It is my understanding that these photographs were found at the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo before the company's relocation in the early 1980's. One very interesting photograph features silent-era film star, Priscilla Dean, holding an F-4 Mandolin. It is the original artwork used to print the title page (page three) of catalog "M", ca. 1921. The late Julius Bellson comments on her appearance in chapter 12 of his book, The Gibson Story. 

Other images are from various Mandolin & Guitar orchestras. Some can be seen in the catalogs throughout the decade, others never made it to print and have never been seen before. There are various comments, notes and crop markings on some of the prints. Most of the markings are hand-written and appear to be penned by the same hand. One of the photographs bears the signature of C.V. Buttleman, no doubt notating edits and approvals destined for the catalogs.

I can only assume that a company as prestigious as Gibson, with over 100 years of instrument building heritage, would be interested in featuring these in their Historical archives, or for museum display. This may however, not be the case with today's corporate reality known as Gibson. 

I would like these to be in good hands, as I amp considering parting with them; either by way of a sale, or possible trade for a vintage guitar. I simply have no way of assessing their value. 

Any ideas?

A few examples attached...

Edited by - guitar joe on 01/14/2017 08:51:09