c.1919 Neil O’Brien Minstrels Use and Recommend Holton Band Instruments

Date: c.1919 
Artist: Unknown 
Size (in): 40.5” x 28.5”
Size (cm): 103 x 72.4
Condition: B+
Linen backed: Yes

This original antique c.1919 advertising poster for Holton Band Instruments issued by Frank Holton & Company of Elkhorn, Wisconsin featuring the Neil O’Brien Minstrels.   Frank Holton moved his musical instrument manufacturing company from Chicago to Elkhorn, Wisconsin in 1918.  Neil O’Brien was one of the most popular and highest paid minstrel performers in the United States touring the burlesque circuit and variety halls between 1913 and 1925.  In 1925 O’Brien partnered with the famous boxer James Corbett and the pair toured together as a vaudeville comedy act until O’Brien retired from performing in 1929.   This poster isn’t dated but these facts indicate the poster, printed by the Otis Lithograph Company of Cleveland, dates to between 1918 and 1925 and was likely issued around 1919.    

This poster has been professionally linen backed with some expert touch up to slight creasing and small tears without paper loss.  The poster retains strong color and displays beautifully.  Overall condition is very good.