Original fountain pen sketch on an off-white 6.75 x 10.5 TLS, signed “E. C. Segar,” November 16, 1915. The twenty-one-year-old Segar sends an inquiry to the Western School of Cartooning and Illustrating, in full: “Please find inclosed (4) cents in stamps for which send me pamphlets describing your courses in cortooning [sic] and illustrating.” Segar signs at the bottom, adding a drawing (presumably a self-portrait) of a man with an outrageously oversized, double-ended pen-pencil tucked behind his ear. Research and consultation with experts suggests that this is one of the earliest documented drawings—possibly the earliest—by Segar in existence. In very good condition, with toning, wrinkling, soiling, folds (touching drawing), a few edge separations, marginal chip, secretarial pencil notation, early tape repairs to verso, and paperclip impressions. Though mentioned in detail for the sake of accuracy, the faults barely affect the impact or personality of this rare, character-filled drawing. R&R COA.
