I have what appears to be an original "Vanity Fair" print.?

Question

The artist is Hay, the date is March 30, 1889, and the title is "Punchestown". I really don't want to pay anyone to appraise it, since I bought it at a yardsale. Any ideas on how I can find out it's worth?

Answer 1

Prints are not 'original' works of art because they are prints. In other words, reproductions. Some prints can be worth some money if: They are signed, limited edition reproductions by a famous or collectible artist.

Because of it's age your Vanity Fair cover would be worth something to a collector of old books and magazines but it not likely that you have the original drawing, watercolor or illustration for the original cover from the March 1889 issue of Vanity Fair. Most illustrations done as magazine covers and commissioned by the magazine (like all the famous Norman Rockwell covers for The Saturday Evening Post) are bought outright and owned by the magazine and kept as part of their private museum collection.

I may be wrong but I don't think so. I could probably tell you for sure if it is an original magazine illustration or a reproduction if I could see the cover. You might want to re-submit your question with a link to a photograph of the art work.

Answer 2

Have it appraised. Spend the money for a professional. Other wise there is no reason to do so. You will not be able to have it insured if you plan to keep it, or sell it by auction with out a professional appraisel.

Plus it is a great responsiblity owning something of this nature.

And the bottum line is no other true way to find it's true worth.

Answer 3

antique roadshow!