15

(America, ca. 1920)

Travel Trunk with Switchboard by Bowery Tattoo Artist Charlie Wagner

Travel trunk used by tattoo artist Fred Peifer (1895-1991), America, ca. 1920. Contents include a rare switchboard by Charlie Wagner, New York, ca. 1920; an early 110V rheostat transformer, ca. 1920; a selection of glass ink and pigment jars, paint tubes, an ink stick, and miscellaneous machine parts; cardboard tube with Pfeiffer's name and address; and a tattered newspaper from 1921. See Lots 15-20 for related items.

This trunk and several other items in this sale (Lots 15-20), 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 Charlie Wagner and J.F. Barber.

Provenance: Collection of Flo & Don Makofske, National Tattoo Association.
Trunk: 23 x 36 x 21 in. (58.4 x 91.4 x 53.3 cm.), Switchboard: 4 1/2 x 8 1/2 x 2 3/4 in. (11.4 x 21.6 x 7 cm.)

  • Condition: Overall good condition with wear appropriate for its age and use.

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

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Bid Increments
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$500 $999 $50
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