19

(New York, ca. 1910)

Buffalo Bill and Other Traditional Designs by Bowery Tattoo Artist

Rare sheet of hand-painted tattoo flash likely sold through the supply company of famed Bowery tattoo artist Charlie Wagner (1875-1953), New York City, ca. 1910. Artist unidentified, but probably Wagner or someone in his inner circle. A few sheets of commercial flash by the same hand are known to exist, some of which can be seen in an early photograph of Wagner's shop front featuring himself with Sailor Joe Van Hart, Lew "The Jew" Alberts, and Adam Ogint. Watercolor on paper mounted on card stock, riveted plastic cover. See Lots 15-20 for related items.

This sheet and several other items in this sale (see Lots 15-20), including a trunk, belonged to tattoo artist Fred Peifer (1895-1991). A native of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, Pfeiffer, moved to Toledo, Ohio around 1916, where he worked as an engraver and tattooed in a shooting gallery. Joe Clingnan also tattooed in Toledo at this time, though it's unknown if they had any connection. Following his service in WWI, Fred returned to Bloomsburg. He seems to have purchased his flash, machines, and other tattoo equipment exclusively from only J.F. Barber and Charlie Wagner.

Provenance: Collection of Flo & Don Makofske, National Tattoo Association.
Overall: 17 x 22 1/2 in. (43.2 x 57.2 cm.)

  • Condition: Tears to paper at bottom center and upper left corner. Paper is structurally sound, but card stock is fragile with scattered loss and wear visible in photos.

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July 13, 2025 11:00 AM EDT
Portsmouth, NH, US

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