Very Rare Find-Antique Vinegar Valentine created by cartoonist Charles Howard during the late 1870s thru to early 1900s. Titled “The Office Lady” - shown with a person sitting - this valentine is pointing out a dreamer. Vinegar Valentines are sarcastic and snarky in nature and mostly created to insult the recipient. Often times these valentines were sent unsigned since they were so offensive. These cartoons are sometimes referred to as Penny Dreadful valentines because they were just a penny to purchase at the time of their creation. These valentines used life like caricatures that relates to the poem but was used to relate to an individual that would be on the receiving end. Size is shown in pictures. As with any paper item that is 100+ years old, the paper has yellowed with age. Any defects are due to age. Valentine is in acceptable condition and does have some minor rips and tears. Top of man’s head has been torn off over time (see pics). Want to Bundle? Save when you purchase more than 1 vinegar Valentine! 15% Discount for purchasing 3 to 5 valentines of these beautiful antiques (Only 10 available). Please notify me prior to purchase for price adjustments on a multiple order. 20% Discount for purchasing 6 to 10 valentines of these beautiful antiques (Only 10 available). Please notify me prior to purchase for price adjustments on a multiple order. Shipping is included in this price. This item will be shipped thru regular USPS mailing. Shipment and delivery times are based on shippers schedules. Shipping is from Southern Missouri in the Midwest. If you wish to provide your own shipping or wish to utilize a company other than USPS, please contact me before purchase to make other arrangements. Shipping cost will be refunded for Local pickup in Forsyth, Mo. Please feel free to contact me for any other questions.
"A BLOCK-HEAD. " Look on this picture, and you'll see, Yourself, just as you ought to be! Your head, as solid as a rock, Would make a perfect butcher's block. What little you may boast of brain, A table—spoon would sure contain ; A stupid, stolid, lumpy lout, With scarcely sense to walk about! --------------------------------------------- This is a very rare large antique Penny Dreadful / Vinegar Valentine with 8 lines of verse. Most likely printed in the USA between the 1850s to late 1800s. Sourced from a collection of Vinegar Valentines, all from the same era. The full print is shown in the first photo. Other photo shows details from the print. Penny Dreadfuls /Vinegar Valentines were a popular phenomenon from the 1840s to the 1940s, although the British Postal Museum has a copy from 1790. Some of the caricatures were drawn by the American cartoonist Charles Howard (whose signature appears on the plate) in the 1870s. The rhymes and drawings were not just amusing, but were also downright cruel, very mean-spirited, and insulting. Single sheet, toned paper with beautiful patina; some creasing on edges. It is very rare to find them in this size and in such good condition, especially since they were usually printed on cheap paper (they used to sell for a penny, hence the name "Penny Dreadful"). The only reference we've seen to a Vinegar Valentine about this size was in the British Postal Museum & Archive Blog, now known as the Postalmuseum.org Size of sheet: approx. 9 inches x 21.25 inches (23 cm x 54 cm) This is an original published between the 1850s to late 1800s, not a reproduction! Bananastrudel sells only originals. The Bananastrudel watermark does not appear on the print. For more of these Vinegar Valentines, click on: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/bananastrudel?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&search_query=dreadful Size of sheet: approx. 9 inches x 21.25 inches (23 cm x 54 cm) Shipped rolled in a tube. Note: The politically incorrect material reflects the spirit of the past, and is by no means reflective of our philosophy!
Nothing like getting surprise hate mail from a would-be lover on February 14.
“A Made-up Slim-Jim”. Although with padded clothes you try A show of flesh to make, 'Tis easy with a glance to see You're but a bony fake. You're trying hard a spouse to catch, But you will fail, I know, Unless you can induce some flesh Upon your bones to grow --------------------------------------------- This is a very rare large antique Penny Dreadful / Vinegar Valentine with 6 lines of verse. Most likely printed in the USA between the 1850s to late 1800s. Sourced from a collection of Vinegar Valentines, all from the same era. The full print is shown in the first photo. Other photo shows details from the print. Penny Dreadfuls /Vinegar Valentines were a popular phenomenon from the 1840s to the 1940s, although the British Postal Museum has a copy from 1790. Some of the caricatures were drawn by the American cartoonist Charles Howard in the 1870s. The rhymes and drawings were not just amusing, but were also downright cruel, very mean-spirited, and insulting. Single sheet, toned paper with beautiful patina, creases on edges, and some small tears on lower left edge, previously repaired with archival mending tissue en verso. It is very rare to find them in this size and in such good condition, especially since they were usually printed on cheap paper (they used to sell for a penny, hence the name "Penny Dreadful"). NOTE: the thin black rod at the top of the print is only a prop and is not included. The only reference we've seen to a Vinegar Valentine about this size was in the British Postal Museum & Archive Blog, now known as the Postalmuseum.org Size of sheet: approx. 9 inches x 21.25 inches (23 cm x 54 cm) This is an original published between the 1850s to late 1800s, not a reproduction! Bananastrudel sells only originals. The Bananastrudel watermark does not appear on the print. For more of these Vinegar Valentines, click on: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/bananastrudel?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&search_query=dreadful Size of sheet: approx. 9 inches x 21.25 inches (23 cm x 54 cm) Shipped rolled in a tube. Note: The politically incorrect material reflects the spirit of the past, and is by no means reflective of our philosophy!
To Be Sure...this is a "Vinegar Valentine"!They are sometimes called a "Penny Dreadful".How- ever "Penny Dreadfuls"was a type of British fiction publication in the 19th century that featured lurid serial stories appearing in parts for weeks & weeks_each costing one (old) penny. The term morphed to include any cheap fiction that was printed on pulp paper_thus "Vinegar Valentines" are sometimes aka "Penny Dreadfuls"(or Penny Horrible,Penny Awful,Penny Blood,etc..).This is an example of a "Penny Dreadful"... Soooo, now that we have that all settled_ let's talk about Valentine Cards (Greeting Cards) that were "Greeting-LESS"! Rather they were decorated with a caricature,often below an insulting poem,given on Valentines Day,often sent to someone like a Spinster,Loud Mouth, Floozy,Show-Off,Wanna -Be-Ladies Man,etc.. you get the picture,right? A Modern Day Fiend that causes "Road Rage". Blah,Blah,Blah.... & more Blah,Blah,Blah.... Who does that anymore...The Chain Smoker? The Boozer Fiend The KimKGlamourPuss... & The Pouting,Posing Belles ?????Is there one for Tongues hanging out of the side of one's mouth & Twerking & Bad Behavior among Teen Stars? There has to be one for "Training people how to communicate by Eye to Eye, Mouth to Mouth as opposed to concentrating on some Handheld Device, Right "? This TV Commercial says it all "Look Up"! Look at Me! Look at Me! But of course_don't forget... Miss Nosey...in other folks Bizness! These cynical,sarcastic,mean-spirited "Greeting-Less Cards" were first produced in America as early as the 1840s.They were cheaply made printed on one side of a single sheet, cost a penny. It is interesting that one of the reasons for the success of these cards was the increased "literacy"rates among the poor & working classes_who rarely had more than a penny for luxuries like cards! However, the Upper Crust got a real kick out of these as well according to the VP of the National Valentines Collectors Association. http://valentinecollectors.com/ Back tooo... Mr. Cheap-Skate Ms. Painted Doll Well,I Do Declare...not nice! Open Mouth,Insert Foot Now,if that's for The Lady...those are FIGHTING WORDS! And "Fighting Words" they were indeed! Reportedly,these unflattering cards created a stir on all social levels_sometimes provoking fistfights and arguments. ~This is the "KICKER"~ Back in the day,a person who received one of these cards via mail often by an anonymous "admirer"_(right?)_paid for the right to be insulted! It was the "RECEIVER_NOT THE SENDER"_responsible for the cost of postage up until 1840s!!!. **NOTE: Do Not Get this confused with the NON-ANONYMOUS NASTY COMMENTS_that people leave on the Internet's various websites that suggest a comment,that is_"Up Front in Your Face" comments_without coming face-to face for a BATTLE! Furthermore..... Getting on"My Last Nerve"....LOL & A Silly Singer...oh boy! The Ice Queen...Cold Shoulder at it's BEST! I understand why from a Dude like this.... I'd BETTER NOT EVER...receive one of these_just because I Love Books! Ms.SpellemBad I'm Kinda -Sorta guilty of being a "Spelling Policer". BUT,some folks I know are really OBSESSED by correct Spelling, Basic Grammar, etc...Scared of them for sure! This is my FAVORITE....I see nothing wrong with this concept....just sayin'! These "Vinegar Valentines" were about the size of a modern greeting card_later produced in the form of a postcard.Sent anonymously,sometimes Postmasters confiscated them as unfit to mail.At the end of the 1940s & 50s_the cost shot up from one penny to FIVE(5) cents! ...like the price of postage now_it keeps going UP!Up! This could be a fun thing to Collect if you have that sensibility for ephemera. I saw one card in particular on EBay_ present Bid is $57.00_for this circa 1920 U.S.Woman Suffrage Vote Vinegar Valentine Sheet...... Good Luck with that!.....Meantime,I'm settling for the "Old Fashion Hugs & Kisses"_ & And,maybe Lindt Dark Chocolate Truffles this Valentine's Day! This candy got me in trouble last year...as in I ate far to much,Love it,melt in yo' mouth,partee in yo' mouth!!! To You & Yours "Happy Valentine's Day All"
“A She-Tiger”. If Barnum e'er laid eye on you, I know what he would do: He'd put in all the papers known, Of the most wonderful tigress known. The curious feature of the animal would be, That in it you could some little of a woman see. --------------------------------------------- This is a very rare large antique Penny Dreadful / Vinegar Valentine with 6 lines of verse. Most likely printed in the USA between the 1850s to late 1800s. Sourced from a collection of Vinegar Valentines, all from the same era. The full print is shown in the first photo. Other photo shows details from the print. Penny Dreadfuls /Vinegar Valentines were a popular phenomenon from the 1840s to the 1940s, although the British Postal Museum has a copy from 1790. Some of the caricatures were drawn by the American cartoonist Charles Howard in the 1870s. The rhymes and drawings were not just amusing, but were also downright cruel, very mean-spirited, and insulting. Single sheet, toned paper with beautiful patina, very faint creases. It is very rare to find them in this size and in such good condition, especially since they were usually printed on cheap paper (they used to sell for a penny, hence the name "Penny Dreadful"). The only reference we've seen to a Vinegar Valentine about this size was in the British Postal Museum & Archive Blog, now known as the Postalmuseum.org Size of sheet: approx. 9 inches x 21.25 inches (23 cm x 54 cm) This is an original published between the 1850s to late 1800s, not a reproduction! Bananastrudel sells only originals. The Bananastrudel watermark does not appear on the print. For more of these Vinegar Valentines, click on: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/bananastrudel?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&search_query=dreadful Size of sheet: approx. 9 inches x 21.25 inches (23 cm x 54 cm) Shipped flat or rolled in a tube. Note: The politically incorrect material reflects the spirit of the past, and is by no means reflective of our philosophy!
“An Old Timer”. The long, long stretch of years through which You have contrived, old girl, to live, Leads us to think that Father Time, Himself, must be your relative. You have so much out-stayed the date, At which you might expect to go, That, as a tribute, here your form, Adorned with emblems fit, we show. --------------------------------------------- This is a very rare large antique Penny Dreadful / Vinegar Valentine with 6 lines of verse. Most likely printed in the USA between the 1850s to late 1800s. Sourced from a collection of Vinegar Valentines, all from the same era. The full print is shown in the first photo. Other photo shows details from the print. Penny Dreadfuls /Vinegar Valentines were a popular phenomenon from the 1840s to the 1940s, although the British Postal Museum has a copy from 1790. Some of the caricatures were drawn by the American cartoonist Charles Howard in the 1870s. The rhymes and drawings were not just amusing, but were also downright cruel, very mean-spirited, and insulting. Single sheet, toned paper with beautiful patina, creases on edges, and some small tears on lower left edge, previously repaired with archival mending tissue en verso. It is very rare to find them in this size and in such good condition, especially since they were usually printed on cheap paper (they used to sell for a penny, hence the name "Penny Dreadful"). The only reference we've seen to a Vinegar Valentine about this size was in the British Postal Museum & Archive Blog, now known as the Postalmuseum.org Size of sheet: approx. 9 inches x 21.25 inches (23 cm x 54 cm) This is an original published between the 1850s to late 1800s, not a reproduction! Bananastrudel sells only originals. The Bananastrudel watermark does not appear on the print. For more of these Vinegar Valentines, click on: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/bananastrudel?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&search_query=dreadful Size of sheet: approx. 9 inches x 21.25 inches (23 cm x 54 cm) Shipped rolled in a tube. Note: The politically incorrect material reflects the spirit of the past, and is by no means reflective of our philosophy!
Vintage vinegar valentine in amazing condition, no tears or creases. Measures approximately 8” x 11”, and original, not reproduction. The colors are great!!!
Here is a vintage vinegar valentine probably from the 1940's. Color illustration printed on pulp paper with rhyming lines. Made in U.S.A. Sometimes also called Dreadful Pennies, these valentines were popular in the 19th and 20th century. "Cheap $Kate: If You Ever Spent A Dollar / Folks Would Think You Went Insane, / 'Cause The Way You Squeeze A Penny / Makes Abe Lincoln Scream With Pain!" No tears, 4 holes in the top where staples were removed. See pictures. These measure 11" by 8" - easy to frame! Light wear, some with small tears. Check out the picture of each one. But remember these are printed on pulp paper which is very brittle. Great color! For that unusual Valentine gift for someone with a sense of humor ~ consider a vintage vinegar valentine. We are currently listing different ones insulting intelligence, appearance and occupations. We will combine shipping so you can include all your friends!
"GYMNAST." Oh! aint your muscle big and hard ? But a secret let me tell you, pard: Your brain grows less as your muscle grows big, And in few more years you won't be worth a fig, Unless you give your brains a chance, And not give all your time to this athletic dance. --------------------------------------------- This is a very rare large antique Penny Dreadful / Vinegar Valentine with 8 lines of verse. Most likely printed in the USA between the 1850s to late 1800s. Sourced from a collection of Vinegar Valentines, all from the same era. The full print is shown in the first photo. Other photos show details from the print. The last photo shows how the print might look when matted and framed. Penny Dreadfuls /Vinegar Valentines were a popular phenomenon from the 1840s to the 1940s, although the British Postal Museum has a copy from 1790. Some of the caricatures were drawn by the American cartoonist Charles Howard in the 1870s. The rhymes and drawings were not just amusing, but were also downright cruel, very mean-spirited, and insulting. Single sheet, toned paper with beautiful patina; some creasing on edges. It is very rare to find them in this size and in such good condition, especially since they were usually printed on cheap paper (they used to sell for a penny, hence the name "Penny Dreadful"). The only reference we've seen to a Vinegar Valentine about this size was in the British Postal Museum & Archive Blog, now known as the Postalmuseum.org Size of sheet: approx. 9 inches x 21.25 inches (23 cm x 54 cm) This is an original published between the 1850s to late 1800s, not a reproduction! Bananastrudel sells only originals. The Bananastrudel watermark does not appear on the print. For more of these Vinegar Valentines, click on: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/bananastrudel?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&search_query=dreadful Size of sheet: approx. 9 inches x 21.25 inches (23 cm x 54 cm) Shipped rolled in a tube. Note: The politically incorrect material reflects the spirit of the past, and is by no means reflective of our philosophy!
Don't panic, we're here to help.
“A Made-up Slim-Jim”. Although with padded clothes you try A show of flesh to make, 'Tis easy with a glance to see You're but a bony fake. You're trying hard a spouse to catch, But you will fail, I know, Unless you can induce some flesh Upon your bones to grow --------------------------------------------- This is a very rare large antique Penny Dreadful / Vinegar Valentine with 6 lines of verse. Most likely printed in the USA between the 1850s to late 1800s. Sourced from a collection of Vinegar Valentines, all from the same era. The full print is shown in the first photo. Other photo shows details from the print. Penny Dreadfuls /Vinegar Valentines were a popular phenomenon from the 1840s to the 1940s, although the British Postal Museum has a copy from 1790. Some of the caricatures were drawn by the American cartoonist Charles Howard in the 1870s. The rhymes and drawings were not just amusing, but were also downright cruel, very mean-spirited, and insulting. Single sheet, toned paper with beautiful patina, creases on edges, and some small tears on lower left edge, previously repaired with archival mending tissue en verso. It is very rare to find them in this size and in such good condition, especially since they were usually printed on cheap paper (they used to sell for a penny, hence the name "Penny Dreadful"). NOTE: the thin black rod at the top of the print is only a prop and is not included. The only reference we've seen to a Vinegar Valentine about this size was in the British Postal Museum & Archive Blog, now known as the Postalmuseum.org Size of sheet: approx. 9 inches x 21.25 inches (23 cm x 54 cm) This is an original published between the 1850s to late 1800s, not a reproduction! Bananastrudel sells only originals. The Bananastrudel watermark does not appear on the print. For more of these Vinegar Valentines, click on: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/bananastrudel?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&search_query=dreadful Size of sheet: approx. 9 inches x 21.25 inches (23 cm x 54 cm) Shipped rolled in a tube. Note: The politically incorrect material reflects the spirit of the past, and is by no means reflective of our philosophy!
This sale is for an Antique Vinegar Valentine Poem The Old Maid's Burden Chromolithgraph Print from the very early 1900's (authentic) I believe this was put out by the McLoughlin Brothers and the artist I believe is Charles Howard. It measures about 13 5/8" long x 10" across and I'll let the pictures do the talking as to its overall design and coloring. It's in good condition with imperfections common to these posters, because the paper is fragile. This poster has some roughness around all the edges with some tiny tears. Note : I will be listing many of these in the future all different.
Vintage vinegar valentine in amazing condition, no tears or creases. Measures approximately 8” x 11”, and original, not reproduction. The colors are great!!!
This lady is showing off her handsome "eyes" to the best of her ability, by only holding back on one of the eyes! Signed Byron on this funny Valentine Card. In good vintage condition, this postcard has been written on with a pencil on the reverse. Expected age wear to the paper, corners and edges.
"BAD PAY. " You're an N.G. loafer of the low-down sort, Who, when hungry, to the free lunch counters resort; You never in your life did an honest day's work, Except at the work-house when you couldn't shirk. Your bills you were never known to pay, So appropriate is the name you get this day. --------------------------------------------- This is a very rare large antique Penny Dreadful / Vinegar Valentine with 6 lines of verse. Most likely printed in the USA between the 1850s to late 1800s. Sourced from a collection of Vinegar Valentines, all from the same era. The full print is shown in the first photo. Other photo shows details from the print. Penny Dreadfuls /Vinegar Valentines were a popular phenomenon from the 1840s to the 1940s, although the British Postal Museum has a copy from 1790. Though the rhymes and drawings were amusing, they were also downright cruel, very mean-spirited, and highly insulting. Single sheet, toned paper with beautiful patina; some creasing on edges. It is very rare to find them in this size and in such good condition, especially since they were usually printed on cheap paper (they used to sell for a penny, hence the name "Penny Dreadful"). The only reference we've seen to a Vinegar Valentine about this size was in the British Postal Museum & Archive Blog, now known as the Postalmuseum.org Size of sheet: approx. 9 inches x 21.25 inches (23 cm x 54 cm) This is an original published between the 1850s to late 1800s, not a reproduction! Bananastrudel sells only originals. The Bananastrudel watermark does not appear on the print. For more of these Vinegar Valentines, click on: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/bananastrudel?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&search_query=dreadful Size of sheet: approx. 9 inches x 21.25 inches (23 cm x 54 cm) Shipped rolled in a tube. Note: The politically incorrect material reflects the spirit of the past, and is by no means reflective of our philosophy!
Nothing like getting surprise hate mail from a would-be lover on February 14.
