To celebrate its 2017 golden jubilee year, Hake’s Americana will conduct three major online auctions, the first slated for March 14-16. As a nod to Hake’s roots, Auction #220 will feature 500+ lots of important political memorabilia. Two of the top items are a framed 36-star Grant and Colfax campaign parade flag from 1868, estimate $5,000-$10,000; and an exceedingly rare 1896 William McKinley poster publicizing a “Republican Barbecue at Greenfield, Ind.” One of only two examples known to Hake’s, the huge (26.5 x 39.5in) tri-color poster lists among its enticements “Ten Oxen, Twenty Sheep, 500 Chickens and 20,000 Free Buns!” along with brass bands and fireworks. Estimate: $2,000-$5,000.
The centerpiece of the sale is Norman Mingo’s (1896-1980) spectacular original, signed artwork for the cover of Mad Magazine’s September 1968 issue. The mixed-media painting spoofs the days of flower power with its depiction of Alfred E. Neuman as a spiritual guru held aloft by the Beatles, Mia Farrow and the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
“When Mad magazine first started, it was satirical and goofy, but in the early to mid-1960s, its focus turned increasingly toward parodies of current events. That’s when pop culture became its fodder,” said Hake’s Americana President Alex Winter. “Mad art, especially anything by Norman Mingo, has been very strong, but his paintings for front covers will always attract a premium price because they simply aren’t available. This painting is a rare find that collectors of Mad art are going to want.” Estimate: $35,000-$50,000
Visit the auction catalog online at www.hakes.com