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Up for sale is an incredible, one-of-a-kind vintage American illustration and comic production archive. This cohesive historic lot features the original work of the prolific syndicated American cartoonist Reamer Keller (1905–1994), best known for his beloved mid-century comic strip \"Kennesaw\" featured in major publications like Collier\'s and the New York Daily News.
This complete lot is being sold exactly as found, housed safely within the original white three-ring binder that it was originally purchased in.
What is Included in This Archive Lot:
• Hand-Signed Ink & Wash Cartoon Panels: Multiple fully finished, beautifully detailed original production illustrations featuring Keller\'s signature hillbilly characters. Signed clearly in ink by Reamer Keller, with several panels featuring his vintage Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey return address stamp.
• Original Pencil Layouts & Roughs: Fascinating production-stage sketches showing the raw graphite under-drawings and early character concepts.
• Unsigned Mid-Century Gag Drawings: Two original ink and wash illustrations rendered in a distinct mid-century magazine style, complete with production numbering and notes.
• The Ultimate Provenance (1969 Letter): Included at the back of the archive is an official, typed letter from \"THE NEWS\" (New York\'s Picture Newspaper) dated May 26, 1969. Addressed directly to Mr. Reamer Keller from the Art Editor, it discusses the submission process, details layout critiques from the art department, and lists the exact drawing numbers accepted for publication. This document serves as ironclad, unassailable authentication for the entire collection.
Handwritten Punchlines Featured in the Art (Optimized for Search):
- \"Political rallies are fun, Kennesaw — it\'s too bad we never know wot th\' candidates are talkin\' about.\"
- \"I didn\'t buy that girdle for a big head, Kennesaw!\"
- \"I had to move the stove out here—Paw likes his vegetables right from the garden.\"
- \"It don\'t look like much but I ain\'t bothered by any in-laws.\"
- \"Will you keep an eye on her? — She tells her mother everything I do.\"
- \"Now, if you\'re acquitted, don\'t forget to revive me.\"
- \"Ma sent your dinner out to you, Paw—she\'s paintin\' the floor.\"
- \"He\'s not a bad speaker considering he never gets a chance to open his mouth at home.\"
- \"Not only are your eyes bloodshot, but your nose is too!\"
- \"Give her future husband a break—don\'t teach her any more words!\"
Condition Note:
The artwork and documents are in excellent vintage condition for authentic mid-century production paper. They show beautiful age-appropriate toning and edge wear consistent with a working artist\'s archive. The entire collection remains protected inside clear archival sleeve inserts inside the white binder.
This is a rare opportunity for a comic historian, media archivist, or fine art dealer to acquire a fully documented slice of 20th-century American print media history. The entire lot ships together securely inside the white binder, packed with heavy-duty materials to prevent any bending in transit. Sold exactly as pictured.
