Bystander Fragments by Captain Bairnsfather. 1916
SKU:
£220.00
£220.00
per item
Captain Charles Bruce Bairnsfather (1887 – 1959) was best-known for his cartoon character "Old Bill." Bill and his pals Bert and Alf featured in Bairnsfather's "Fragments from France" cartoons published weekly in "The Bystander" magazine during the First World War The cartoons were first published on the backs of playing cards by C Goodall in 1916, beginning with these four. “Keeping His Hand In.” “Well, if you knows of a better 'ole, go to it!”
“Coiffure in the Trenches” and “The Eternal Question”
In August 1917 the Bystander magazine announced that those first four packs had completely sold out, and were only available through booksellers and newsagents stock - adding that these sets would not be reprinted. By the end of the war thirteen of his cartoons were published on the backs of playing cards, split into three series as indicated with the info card shown here. This set is from that first series, is complete, 52 + 3 and in immaculate condition, never been used original box is excellent too.
“Coiffure in the Trenches” and “The Eternal Question”
In August 1917 the Bystander magazine announced that those first four packs had completely sold out, and were only available through booksellers and newsagents stock - adding that these sets would not be reprinted. By the end of the war thirteen of his cartoons were published on the backs of playing cards, split into three series as indicated with the info card shown here. This set is from that first series, is complete, 52 + 3 and in immaculate condition, never been used original box is excellent too.