A relatively undiscovered collectibles genre is vintage pinup art. While not yet mainstream, this area is sure to become a very hot topic as awareness increases.
Pinup art began many years ago as an outlet for artists who loved to paint and photograph beautiful women. In the 1930s and ’40s, artists like Elvgren, Vargas, Armstrong, Mozert and others began finding an outlet for their work in men’s magazines, calendars, playing cards, trading cards and other venues.
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| Mutoscope cards from the 1940s
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The art, although very risqué in those days, is tame by today’s standards. In fact, it is uncommon to find full nude images produced by artists from that era. When they are encountered, they usually command higher prices than the typical scantily clad images.
Much of the art was used on calendars, which were sold to small businesses with their company imprint as giveaways to their best customers. As a result, you can find identical calendars, with the only difference being the companies advertising their wares on them. You can also find ashtrays, lighters, joke cards, pocket calendars, ink pens and even stationery featuring vintage pinup art.
Since calendars and other promotional items were meant as giveaways, they can be difficult to find in mint condition. The most desirable calendars contain all 12 monthly pages, without any having been removed. Since calendars were made to allow for different images, much of the pinup art was printed separate from the actual calendar pad. When a company placed an order, the artwork was then affixed to the piece.
Vintage pinup prints sometimes can be found intact, the result of a surplus of stock that never made it to the calendars. These prints range in size from 3x5 inches to 11x14 inches, with the larger ones being the rarest and most desirable.
The millennium calendar
from my favorite pinup
artist, Olivia
Pinup art was very popular among soldiers serving overseas. Friends and parents would send trading cards, playing cards and even pinup stationery sets to our men abroad. Because of this popularity, many artists began painting their pinup girls dressed in risqué military uniforms, or with a military theme.
The legendary Pirelli calendar
I started collecting pinup memorabilia a few years ago because I’ve always admired the beautiful women and talented artists who painted them. They achieved a certain look and quality that is rarely duplicated today. One exception would be my favorite pinup artist, Olivia, who has magically presented her models in the glamorous style of the ’30s and ’40s.
Zoe Mozert was unique in that she used herself as a model when creating her works. She would stand in a full-length mirror, wearing whichever outfit she wanted to feature, and sketch and paint her own body. She used a number of different faces, however. Mozert is highly collectable.
Playing cards were
popular promotional
items.
Prices for pinup memorabilia are really very reasonable when compared to other types of paper ephemera. Trading cards, ink blotters and other pieces can be acquired for as little as $10! Of course, that’s the starting point, but for a few thousand dollars you can build a pretty nice collection if you scout around and dig up treasures.
Depending on the artist and condition, calendars can range from $30 to a few hundred dollars. Playing cards featuring vintage art of popular artists like Elvgren and Vargas sell from $50 to $150 or more. Trading cards, with Mutoscope cards being the most popular, sell in the $10-$50 range. Mutoscope was a company that produced many colorful cards featuring art by the best artists of the time.
I have a number of ashtrays in my collection. Some of them are tin and were used as giveaways by gas stations, bars and other businesses. Others are made of ceramic and some, like those used by the now-defunct Playboy Clubs, are made of glass. They’re great to look at and range in price from $20 to $100.
I also love vintage pinup magazines, including Playboy. I’m sure Hugh Hefner never dreamed that years later copies of his first issue would be worth $5,000-$6,000 to collectors. Demand for vintage Playboys is high, but once you get past the first couple of years, the price drops to the $100-$500 range in excellent condition.
Pinup calendars from
the ’30s and ’40s
Some of my other favorite pinup magazines are the early glamour photography issues, which typically featured provocative images of well-endowed, scantily-clad women on the cover. These range in price from $10 to about $100 depending on the image and overall condition. Since many were hidden in drawers, under beds and in garages to keep prying eyes away, finding them in excellent condition can be tough.
One pinup collectible still being produced is the legendary Pirelli calendar. Produced in limited quantities (about 40,000), the calendar – a beautiful, oversize piece – can’t be bought from the Pirelli Tire Company at any price. It has become something of a status symbol to be on the list to receive one and, no matter who you are – celebrity, world leader or otherwise – you can’t just call or write the company and get one.
Pinup ashtrays
promoted businesses.
The list is tightly controlled, and very few Pirelli calendars show up on the market. In the rare instances when they do, you can expect to pay top dollar. The calendars feature supermodels like Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford and others in various states of undress. If you ever find one, scoop it up because they are rare!
Olivia, my favorite artist, produces calendars, greeting cards and other memorabilia, which I love to collect. I encourage you to visit her web site at www.pinupmall.com. You’ll see immediately why she’s my favorite! There’s no one quite like her.
I could go on forever about pinup memorabilia, but I’m out of space. So you’ll just have to follow me, visit my web site and hit those antiques stores and garage sales to find out more. Until next time, keep those cards, letters and e-mails coming!
Courtesy of Pop Culture Collecting Magazine
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