Overview
The print explicitly displays 'COPYRIGHTED 1932 WESTERN CARTRIDGE COMPANY' and 'FORM NO. E 19' in the lower left corner. The artist's signature 'Edm.
Identification
1932 Western Cartridge Company Advertising Print by Edmund H. Osthaus
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
Edmund H. Osthaus (1858-1928) was a premier American sporting artist, famous for his realistic depictions of hunting dogs. Following his death, companies like the Western Cartridge Company and DuPont continued to use his popular artwork for promotional calendars, posters, and lithographs throughout the 1930s. The market for vintage sporting advertising remains active, particularly for pieces featuring renowned artists like Edmund H. Osthaus. However, the ephemera market is fiercely segmented by condition.
Maker / Origin
Western Cartridge Company / Edmund H. Osthaus
Condition & Value
The user has confirmed water staining along the bottom margin and small rips at the top edge of the lithograph. While it was noted there is no rip near the dog's paw, the confirmed top tears and bottom moisture damage significantly impact the piece's overall grade, limiting its appeal to strict condition-sensitive collectors.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The market for vintage sporting advertising remains active, particularly for pieces featuring renowned artists like Edmund H. Osthaus. However, the ephemera market is fiercely segmented by condition. Pristine, vibrant examples command significant premiums from serious collectors, while pieces with water damage, fading, or tears are generally relegated to the decorator market at a steep discount.
Value Drivers
▲ Artwork by highly collected sporting artist Edmund H. Osthaus
▲ Authentic 1932 Western Cartridge Company advertising piece with original printed metadata
Concerns
▼ Confirmed water stains along the bottom margin heavily discount collector value
▼ Confirmed small rips at the top edge compromise structural integrity
▼ Unverified dimensions leave a slight risk regarding standard vs. promotional sizing
Best Venue
Given the confirmed damage, this piece is best suited for a broad online marketplace like eBay or specialized sporting collectibles groups on social media. It should be marketed as a decorator piece. Be sure to provide clear, close-up photos of the top rips and bottom water stains to manage buyer expectations and prevent returns.
Upside Potential
If the piece were professionally conserved (stains mitigated, tears stabilized) and framed using archival materials, it could approach the $150-$200 range, though the cost of such restoration would likely exceed the added value.