Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a limited-edition, hand-signed art print depicting the iconic Ted Drewes Frozen Custard stand on Route 66 in St. Louis. Rendered in a charming, illustrative style, it captures the nostalgic architectural details of one of America's most famous roadside dessert landmarks. The print is numbered 71 out of an edition of 500, making it a wonderful piece of regional Americana.
Story
Ted Drewes opened his first St. Louis custard stand in 1930, eventually becoming a legendary Route 66 pitstop. This print captures the Chippewa street location, famous for its 'concrete' shakes so thick they are served upside down.
Maker / Origin
While the artist's signature is present in the lower-left corner, the specific illustrator remains unidentified without further regional cataloging. Local artists in St. Louis frequently celebrate Ted Drewes in their work, as the stand is a beloved cultural touchstone for the city's creative community.
Condition & Value
The print appears to be in excellent, like-new condition, preserved inside its original protective plastic sleeve with a cardboard backing. There are no visible signs of fading, foxing, or creasing. Keeping it sealed has preserved its market value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.