Percy L. Crosby Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Percy L. Crosby Art Value Price Guide

Dec. 14, 2023
Crosby (Percy Leo, 1891-1964). Skippy Skinner, circa 1923
Est: £150 - £200
Crosby (Percy Leo, 1891-1964). Skippy Skinner, circa 1923 * Crosby (Percy Leo, 1891-1964). Skippy Skinner, circa 1923, watercolour and ink, depicting Skippy wearing an oversize coat, walking hands in pockets, a dog by his feet, signed lower right, mount aperture 20 x 16.5 cm, framed and glazed QTY: (1) NOTE: This illustration appeared in Life Magazine in 1923.
Dominic Winter Auctions
Jun. 15, 2023
Crosby (Percy Leo, 1891-1964). Skippy Skinner
Est: £200 - £400
* Crosby (Percy Leo, 1891-1964). Skippy Skinner, circa 1923, watercolour and ink, depicting Skippy walking hands in pockets a dog by his feet, signed lower right, mount aperture 20 x 16.5 cm, framed and glazed QTY: (1) NOTE: This illustration appeared in Life Magazine in 1923.
Dominic Winter Auctions
Jun. 09, 2022
PERCY CROSBY (1891-1964) "Oh, well. We can't all be Babe Ruths." Skippy Daily Comic Strip
Est: $400 - $600
PERCY CROSBY (1891-1964) "Oh, well. We can't all be Babe Ruths." Four-panel Skippy daily comic strip, dated September 2, 1926, with Johnson Features Inc. label in first panel. Ink and blue pencil on Bristol board. 160x550 mm; 6 1/4x21 3/4 inches, sheet. Signed by Crosby in last panel. Percy Crosby's "Skippy," one of the most popular comic strips from 1923-1945, inspired Peanuts among many other cartoons. It was said that at its height Crosby's weekly salary was greater than that of the President of the United States. It was the basis for a highly successful 1931 motion picture comedy of the same name starring Jackie Cooper, who was nominated as Best Actor, the youngest to ever be nominated in that category. The popular peanut butter was named for the famous comic strip character.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jun. 09, 2022
PERCY CROSBY (1891-1964) "How do you fellers stick it out like this?" Skippy Daily Comic Strip.
Est: $400 - $600
PERCY CROSBY (1891-1964) "How do you fellers stick it out like this?" Four-panel Skippy daily comic strip, dated July 15, 1925, with Johnson Features Inc. label in third panel. Ink and blue wash on Bristol board. 165x550 mm; 6 1/2x21 3/4 inches, sheet. Signed by Crosby in third panel; two small thumbnail sketches of dog on verso. Percy Crosby's "Skippy," one of the most popular comic strips from 1923-1945, inspired Peanuts among many other cartoons. It was said that at its height Crosby's weekly salary was greater than that of the President of the United States. It was the basis for a highly successful 1931 motion picture comedy of the same name starring Jackie Cooper, who was nominated as Best Actor, the youngest to ever be nominated in that category. The popular peanut butter was named for the famous comic strip character.
Swann Auction Galleries
Sep. 13, 2017
2 Lithographs, Percy L. Crosby, 1933
Est: $200 - $300
2 Lithographs, Percy L. Crosby (American) 1891-1964, "Punt" and "Tackle," 1933; 19 1/2 x 16 inches, matted, signed in plate; good condition, not examined out of matte.
Quinn's Auction Galleries
Apr. 03, 2017
Percy L. Crosby, American (1891 - 1964)
Est: $500 - $700
"Baseball Grounds, Giants vs. Cubs To-day" Original pen and ink illustration on paper. Signed in pen on lower right side. Percy Crosby is known for cartoonist, landscape. Framed and matted under glass. Some discoloration and imperfections. Height.16 1/2", Width: 21 3/4" & Image Size: Height: 10", Width: 15" (fine art, drawing, original, collectible) STERLING ASSOCIATES STRIVES TO PROVIDE ACCURATE, OBJECTIVE, & FAIR INFORMATION ON ALL LOTS. WE WILL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS. WE ADVISE THAT YOU, OR SOMEONE ON YOUR BEHALF, INSPECT ANY ITEM(S) AND COME TO YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS BEFORE BIDDING. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE SEE TERMS & CONDITIONS.
Sterling Associates, Inc.
Jun. 01, 2014
PERCY L
Est: $800 - $1,000
PERCY L. CROSBY; (VA/NY, 1891-1964), Skippy Studies a Map Enroute, ink on cardstock, signed lower right "P.L. Crosby". Unframed. 10 1/2" x 13 1/2" sheet size. Skippy was one of the first syndicated cartoon characters. This image appears to be mid-1930s.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Oct. 13, 2010
Crosby, Percy Leo (1891-1964), Sport Drawings, McLean, Virginia: Percy Crosby, numbered 346 of 1000 copies, inscribed and signed by ...
Est: $200 - $300
Crosby, Percy Leo (1891-1964), Sport Drawings, McLean, Virginia: Percy Crosby, numbered 346 of 1000 copies, inscribed and signed by the author/artist, cloth, folio.
Skinner
Sep. 25, 2010
AUTOGRAPHS: CROSBY PERCY: (1891-1964) American
Est: £100 - £120
AUTOGRAPHS: CROSBY PERCY: (1891-1964) American Cartoonist & Author, creator of the comic strip Skippy. A.L.S., Percy L. Crosby, one page, 8vo, Fairfax County, Virginia, 5th February n.y., to Captain Allen. Crosby politely thanks his correspondent for his invitation to attend an exhibition at Fort Myer, adding that he has taken note of the dates and, as he is 'tremendously interested in cavalry' will do everything in his power to attend. With blank integral leaf (some minor areas of paper loss caused by previous mounting). Together with a vintage signed and inscribed sepia 8 x 10 photograph of Crosby seated in a three quarter length pose. Photograph by Underwood & Underwood of Washington. Signed in bold blue fountain pen ink across a light area at the base of the image. Also including an 8vo card featuring a facsimile drawing and Christmas greeting from Crosby and his family. G to generally VG, 3
International Autograph Auctions
Oct. 27, 2009
PERCY CROSBY (American, 1891-1964) Life magazine
Est: $1,200 - $1,800
PERCY CROSBY (American, 1891-1964) Life magazine cartoon illustration Ink and watercolor on board 20.5 x 13.75 in. Signed lower left Caption: "If she ever has a baby, I hope she doesn't leave it on a doorstep." PROVENANCE: From the estate of Percy Crosby to the present owner.
Heritage Auctions
Mar. 12, 2009
PERCY CROSBY (American 1891 - 1964) Life magazine
Est: $1,200 - $1,800
PERCY CROSBY (American 1891 - 1964) Life magazine cartoon illustration Ink and watercolor on board 17.5 x 13.5 in. Signed lower left Caption: "If she ever has a baby, I hope she doesn't leave it on a doorstep." PROVENANCE: From the estate of Percy Crosby to the present owner.
Heritage Auctions
Jun. 16, 2007
CROSBY PERCY L.
Est: $300 - $400
424. PERCY L. CROSBY (1891-1964) American artist and cartoonist, most notably creator of "Skippy", a lovable character introduced in 1923, based on Crosby's own boyhood memories. Skippy appeared in Life magazine and on led off the comics section of Hearst newspapers from 1926-1945 but became the subject of conflict in 1933, when a peanut butter company trademarked the name "Skippy", using the same hand-painted lettering as Crosby's "Skippy" logo. Then after publicly criticizing FDR's judicial appointments, Crosby came under the scrutiny of the IRS, forcing him into financial hardship. In 1939, his wife left with his kids who he would never see again. By 1948, he became so "jittery" of death threats, wiretaps and surveillance that his Hearst contract was cancelled, and he allegedly attempted suicide. Even worse, he was institutionalized for the rest of his life, with the psychiatric order being signed by the uncle of his allegedly gold-digging second wife! This left Skippy peanut butter free to use the name and logo, despite having lost in court to Percy in 1934. Percy died in a straitjacket, convinced he was undone by the government and a peanut butter industry conspiracy. Crosby's daughter continues to battle the food giant, who only changed their logo from Crosby's appropriated hand-painted sign lettering in 1980. Sold here is a scarce T.L.S. signed "P.L.C." 2pp, 8vo., on personal stationery, New York, Feb. 16, 1946, to his longtime friend "Dick" [Hyman, publicist with Hearst's King Features]. Crosby, lamenting unenlightened appreciation for his paintings in America, he writes in part: "...I have made such outstanding marines of recent date, that the one you have is not up to the calibre and I wonder if you would be so kind as to return it to me. I don't want any of my work which I do not consider my best around America. It had been my idea to have an exhibition of these latest marines in N.Y.C., but when I look at what magazines hail as serious art, especially LIFE and VOGUE, it would be ridiculous to stoop to America's level of regimented stupidity. I feel that my paintings should go to Europe, and, when the critics see these marines I know the foreign museums will take them. I would never allow any magazine in America to reproduce any painting of mine, for I feel that I would be caught in a swirl of colored sewer boomerangs. My dread would be that some one, by some mistake, might acclaim me on these shores as a painter and that would be something that could never be lived down in the serious world of art. French dealers have been laughing up their sleeves at the swill America has paid millions for as art. Obviously typewritten personally by Crosby, with several strikeovers, and holograph corrections. Top blank margin of second page bears light discoloration from mounting in album, otherwise quite good. A caustic side of one of America's idolized cartoonists and pop culture figures, rarely encountered. $300-400
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Feb. 25, 2007
CROSBY, PERCY L.
Est: $40 - $60
PERCY L. CROSBY (1891-1964) American artist and cartoonist, most notably creator of "Skippy", a lovable character introduced in 1923, based on Crosby's boyhood memories. Skippy appeared regularly in Life magazine, in Hearst newspapers from 1926-1945, as a motion picture launching the career of Jackie Cooper, and was heavily licensed for consumer products. In 1933, a peanut butter company trademarked the name "Skippy", using the same hand-painted lettering as Crosby's "Skippy" logo, sparking a lawsuit. In 1939, his wife left with his kids who he would never see again. By 1948, "jittery" over what he perceived as death threats, wire taps and surveillance, he began drinking and soon lost his Hearst contract. After he attempted suicide, his second wife had him institutionalized. This left Skippy Peanut Butter to use the name, despite having lost in court to Percy in 1934. Percy died in a rubber room, convinced the government and a peanut butter industry conspiracy undid him. Crosby's daughter continues to battle the food giant, who finally changed their logo to no longer resemble Crosby's hand-painted lettering style. Offered here is a limitation page removed from a Crosby publication, 4to., [n.d], numbered, inscribed and signed in thick blue ink in a slightly shaky hand, "A merry Christmas and a gift from the artist and publisher to the greatest newspaper man of all time from his sincere friend, P.L. Crosby". Fine. $40-60
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Jun. 05, 2005
CROSBY, PERCY L.
Est: $60 - $80
1089. PERCY L. CROSBY (1891-1964) American artist and cartoonist, creator of "Skippy", a lovable character introduced in 1923, based on Crosby's boyhood memories. Skippy appeared regularly in Life magazine, in Hearst newspapers from 1926-1945, as a motion picture launching the career of Jackie Cooper, and was heavily licensed for consumer products. Crosby, also an outspoken political cartoonist, was critical of big business and FDR's policies. In 1933, a peanut butter company trademarked the name "Skippy", using the same hand-painted lettering as Crosby's "Skippy" logo, sparking a lawsuit. After criticizing FDR, Crosby was descended upon by the IRS, forcing him into financial distress. In 1939, his wife left with his kids who he would never see again. By 1948, "jittery" of what he believed was death threats, wire taps and surveillance; he began drinking and lost his Hearst contract. After he allegedly attempted suicide, his second wife had him institutionalized. This left Skippy peanut butter to use the name, despite having lost in court to Percy in 1934. Percy died in a rubber room, convinced he was undone by the government and a peanut butter industry conspiracy. Skippy finally changed their logo to no longer resemble Crosby's hand-painted lettering style in 1980. Offered here is a limitation page removed from a Crosby publication, 4to., [n.d], numbered, inscribed and signed in thick, sometime blobbing blue ink in a slightly shaky hand, "A merry Christmas and a gift from the artist and publisher to the greatest newspaper man of all time from his sincere friend, P.L. Crosby". Fine.$60-80
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC