We recently purchased this item at a local garage sale. I purchased it because I liked it but, after looking at it, my wife believes that it is an actual painting instead of a litho like I thought. The colors are extremely faded compared to the examples we found online but we all know there are alot of ways to falsely age items. Upon doing some research, my wife learned that similar items were part of an advertising campaign for Olympia Beer in 1908-1910 prior to prohibition. There was an edition of litho reprints done in the 70's also. My piece appears to be on canvas, painted in oil, attached to a wooden canvas square, and framed in a wooden frame. We have searched the painting for some type of identifying feature but have not been able to find anything such as a serial number or artist's signature. We would appreciate any information you could offer as well as an approximate value if available.
Description
Category
Other
Medium
Canvas/Oil
Distinguishing marks
"Olympia Beer" "It's The Water" "1909 Greetings Olympia Brewing Co" "Olympia, Wash."
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
20" X 26"
Date Period
1909 (?)
History
Unknown
Price Paid (If known)
$10
For Sale?
No
Photos
Re: 1909 Olympia Beer Painting
I have the same Olympia Beer 1909 " Gibson Girl " litho on canvas. Mine is the same size and is stretched on a wooden frame as well. Mine has a number stamped on the top rail of the wood frame it reads, #2833. There is a small mark after that number that is very hard to tell what it is. They must have made at least 3000 of these reproduction lithos. I got mine at a yard sale in 1972 or 1973, when I was a boy, in Chico, CA. and have had it ever since.
It is not a oil on canvas and I don't think yours is either. If you look close you cannot see brush strokes that would be very noticable in a brushed oil on canvas. Especially in the hat. Those are rough strokes that would be easy to see. If you slide your finger down the canvas lightly, it will feel pretty smoth. It could possibly be a original from 1909 but, I dought it. The originals were litho's of a Gibon Girl painting. They just framed the girl with a purple and gold colored oval " frame" that reads 1909 Greetings and it's the water Olyimpia logos. The fadeing colors are likely due to exposure to the sunlight for many years. Mine still has relatively bright colors. I have read that the "1909' and a print called "capital" were the more popular designs. Go to the olympia beer history site for more info.
As for value, I have seen the paper, cardboard or decopauge onto wood ones going for $20 to $100 on ebay. I would guess that a litho on cavas and mounted on a wood frame would fetch between $100 to $200 maybe from the right buyer. I am just making a ballpark guess on the price. It will depend on the buyer and how badly they want tne litho. I have been trying to find a fair price to sell mine for. Yes mine is for sale. I may post it soon. I hope that helps to answer a few questions.