Overview
A series of vibrant, stylized motivational posters designed to train sales professionals during the post-WWII economic boom.
Preliminary identification
Mid-Century Modern Sales Training Posters by Coulter, c. 1955-1965
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
During the 1950s, the 'Science of Selling' became a cornerstone of the American Dream, leading corporations to invest heavily in visual aids to professionalize their workforce.
Maker / Origin
The signature 'COULTER' belongs to a commercial illustrator active in the mid-20th century, likely working for a major educational or corporate publisher like The Dartnell Corporation.
Condition & Value
The posters show visible horizontal fold lines, which is common for ephemera that was originally mailed in flat kits. There is minor edge wear and some slight ink transfer, but the colors remain exceptionally bright and have not suffered from UV fading.
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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