Western America
Two California Gold Rush “PUNCH” Comic Illustrations
January 13, 1849 and July 1852-Dated California Gold Rush Period, Lot of TWO, comic issues of the magazine “PUNCH,” Choice Extremely Fine.
TWO comic issues of the famous magazine PUNCH., frontis of each showing Punch seated thinking up new things to write about, all done in a comical style. The cartoon illustrations are based on current events in the world and political situations, very very funny cartoons .Both issues show some light wear and foxing, a few tears repaired nicely. Overall, two very scarce magazine issues.

These two issues have CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH cartoons. One is titled "A Few Days in the Diggins" showing men looking for gold nuggets by any means possible, The text below the cartoon tells of an adventure going into the gold fields, dated Jan. 13, 1849.

The second issue has a full page cartoon illustration showing cut-throats and thieves in the gold fields, plus claim jumpers and murderers. Being printed on one side this could be nicely framed, dated July 1852. Included in this same issue is a full page cartoon titled “A REGULAR GOLD DUSTMAN,” a poor fellow with his family heading out for the gold diggins. He carries a broom and shovel, says he is heading to sweep up the gold dust instead of cinders! Two outstanding period issues that make for outstanding display illustrations!