Overview
A vibrant two-panel motivational poster designed for the post-war American workplace, featuring the signature of the commercial illustrator 'Coulter.'
Preliminary identification
Mid-Century Sales Training Poster by Coulter, c. 1948-1955
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
Following the end of World War II, the American economy shifted from military production to a massive consumer boom, necessitating a newly professionalized sales force.
Maker / Origin
The signature 'COULTER' belongs to a commercial illustrator active during the golden age of American advertising and corporate ephemera.
Condition & Value
The poster features a prominent horizontal fold line, which is typical for items that were mailed in flat envelopes to businesses. There is a small handwritten '18' in the upper right corner, likely a filing mark from its original office use.
Full Research
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD