Offered up for sale is the pictured vintage original promotional store foam core display board for JRR Tolkien’s stunning pencil, and ink drawing “West Gate of Moria. The original image is in the permanent collection of the Bodleian Library, the heart of Oxford University. This was printed as a display piece for bookstores and classroom instruction by his British publisher George Allen & Unwin, Ltd. In the mid 1960s. The printing is done in the period correct half tone rosette pattern that is the fingerprint of mid 20th century offset printing. This is not a mass produced contemporary print, but a store display piece printed on high-quality foam board.

CONDITION DETAILS:

The board measures approximately 11 1/2 x 12“. Overall, I rate it between fine to very fine vintage condition. All four corners are tight with very little wear to any of the edges. The only noticeable flaw is 1/8 of an inch wide strip, working down the right vertical side where it may have been sticking out of the stack and was exposed to the air over the decades. This is a minor flaw that is offset by the image that extends nearly edge to edge. No sun fading is observed. The image is framed in a monochrome neutral color that fades into the background of this majestic image. There are plenty of photographs to document the overall fine to very fine condition.

PROVENANCE:

This was acquired from the estate of a retired English teacher and bibliophile, who is also former head of the NEA for the state of Minnesota. It came from a multigenerational estate sale of books housewares, linens, decorative objects that span nearly a century of American craftsmanship & design. I currently have listed and will be listing many other items from the estate, including a signed Forest Emerson Mann Forest Craft Guild copper book end, World War II custom US Navy shirts made by The Big O in Norfolk, Virginia, a rare Zippo four barrel 1941 lighter, a Norman Rockwell Boy Scout handbook along with his 1944 To Make Men Free inaugural complete wall calendar. And many other items from this spectacular sale including two more display boards including another, different image of Moria and the iconic image of Barad-Dur: Fortress of Sauron

Let the photographs be your guide and message me with any questions. Shipping will be via USPS priority mail in a sturdy box protected from the elements as part of the purchase price. I ship globally through eBay.

I do my best to describe my items accurately and package them well so you can receive them intact and fully enjoy them. Everything I sell I guarantee fully. Read my feedback and purchase with confidence, knowing that your item will be shipped promptly and properly packaged so you can receive it on time and in one piece. I always combine shipping.