1941 The New Empire State Express Leslie Ragan New York Central Lines

Date: 1941
Artist: Ragan, Leslie
Size (in): 40” x 27”
Size (cm): 101.6 x 68.5
Condition: B+
Linen backed: Yes

This beautiful poster was created by the artist Leslie Ragan on the occasion of the “new” Empire State Express passenger train entering service with the New York Central Lines in 1941. The original Empire State Express, running between New York City and Buffalo, entered service in 1891 as the flagship passenger train service of the New York Central Lines. On the 50th anniversary of the commencement of the service a magnificent new updated streamlined stainless steel train made by the Budd Company was introduced into service with what was expected to be great fanfare. The date chosen was December 7, 1941 and in a cruel twist of fate, events at Pearl Harbor that day greatly overshadowed the event.

This vintage original poster has been professionally linen backed with all needed restoration and touch up completed. The poster has some expert replacement to paper loss at the tip of the lower left hand corner and repair to some short tears at the edges and crease mitigation. This poster has bold color and displays beautifully. The lower right hand corner indicates Brett Lithographing Company.