Questions about the history of original art collecting - Help appreciated! 2 2

[sfcityduck]

As some may know, I've spent a lot of time delving into the collecting history of a remarkable collector, Dave Wigransky. Dave was acquiring original art starting in the 1940s, including through want ads in national publications and newspapers around the country. He also got a lot of art inscribed to him by creators. In reviewing a 1951 letter he wrote to an industry professional, I notice he wrote something about original art that surprised me:

I had no idea Krazy Kat originals were so valuable, Dave says "several hundred dollars apiece," by 1951. Anyone know where collectors were buying or selling Krazy Kat original art for "several hundred dollars apiece" back in 1951? 

Anyone know where I can learn the history of very early original art collectors of the 1940s and early 1950s? I know Caniff did a gallery showing in, I think, 1948 when he started Steve Canyon, but I thought that was for publicity for his new strip. That's about all I know. So regale me with your knowledge!

Anyone know of any art inscribed to Dave Wigransky other than the examples below and a Kerry Drake original in the Swann Collection held by the LoC?

Dan Barry Captain Midnight:

Simon & Kirby Headline Comics cover:

A "Silver Linings" comic strip by Kurtzman (two of three pieces)

[Hekla]

Good luck in your quest, sounds interesting. Post your findings if you are able. 

[alxjhnsn]

I'll read your book when it's done!

 

[sfcityduck]

On 4/2/2024 at 7:37 AM, Hekla said:

Good luck in your quest, sounds interesting. Post your findings if you are able. 

 

On 4/2/2024 at 11:45 AM, alxjhnsn said:

I'll read your book when it's done!

 

In the meantime, you can read this:

 

[timguerrero]

this is all very interesting if you do write a book I would be extremly interested in it as the history of OA collecting should be recorded for posterity.

[alxjhnsn]

On 4/2/2024 at 6:39 PM, sfcityduck said:

 

In the meantime, you can read this:

 

I'm still reading, but I really enjoy it.

[sfcityduck]

On 4/3/2024 at 9:25 AM, alxjhnsn said:

I'm still reading, but I really enjoy it.

Thanks!  That thread is a mess, but a lot of people said interesting things and as you get deeper the story broadens. My favorite comments by those who popped onto the thread include Marty Mann's revelation that his name was also on the 1947 prize winners list near the beginning of the thread and the appearance by Bill Placzek (sp?). The stuff that hasn't made it into the thread takes it to an even broader, more detailed, and, frankly, much more rounded place.