Duke Ellington 1942 Classic Art-Deco Concert Poster. ...

Description

A FACE FOR THE MOUNT RUSHMORE OF JAZZ MUSIC

Duke Ellington 1942 Classic Art-Deco Concert Poster. An original 83-year-old cardboard window card advertising the great Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra playing at the Civic Auditorium in Seattle, Washington on Friday night, June 12, 1942. Easily one of the greatest designs of the big-band era, this poster's art-deco artwork centers around a terrific caricature of the Duke's smiling face. That along with the blue & white musical-note motif and Ellington's name in rolling lettering combine to give this design supreme eye-appeal.

Billboard magazine historian Joel Whitburn calls Duke "perhaps the single most important creative talent in American popular music history."

ERRATA: Our catalog for this auction lists this poster as being from 1931. We regret the error.

Measures a shade under 14" x 22" and grades to unrestored Very Good condition. COA from Heritage Auctions.

More Information: The top line across the poster says "Ellis Coder's Civic Dance," but at 83 years old we were not able to determine Mr. Coder's identity.

Condition details: The poster has one tack – not pin – hole in each corner. The bottom two corners have small diagonal creases, but nothing touches the blue. (The lower left one does have a small dog-ear on the tip.) The board has extra toning to it from exposure to light, especially in the upper left quadrant, where it goes into "Ellis," "Civic" and "Fri." Interestingly, the board once had 2-3 horizontal creases to it, but they're mostly visible on the verso, not the front. You might see a little along the bottom of the letters "ELL." There's supposed to be one going through Duke's chin but frankly, we just don't see it (only on the verso). And at the poster's top, "Seattle" is written in pencil. Was that done before the show when the poster was posted in the outskirts, or written in later by a fan? The latter would be considered ‘damage,' but not the former. We'll absolutely never know.


Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.