Lot 1614: CROSBY, PERCY L.

Est: $40 USD - $60 USD

Alexander Historical Auctions LLCStamford, CT, USFebruary 25, 2007

Item Overview

Description

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

Artist or Maker

Percy L. Crosby

Auction Details

Historic Documents & Manuscripts- Day 2

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

February 25, 2007, 12:00 PM EST

860 Canal St. 2nd Floor, Stamford, CT, 06902, US

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