Lot 170

Carnival Tattoo Artist Travel Kit [Folk Art - Science and Technology - Percy Waters] Cigar box: 3 x 7 1/2 x 6 in. (7.6 x 19.1 x 15.2 cm.)

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Carnival Tattoo Artist Travel Kit [Folk Art - Science and Technology - Percy Waters] Cigar box: 3 x 7 1/2 x 6 in. (7.6 x 19.1 x 15.2 cm.)

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500

Current Bid: $1,600

(6 Bids)

by Bray & Co. Auctions
July 26, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
33 Jewell Court
Portsmouth, NH, US 03801

Carnival Tattoo Artist Travel Kit [Folk Art - Science and Technology - Percy Waters]

A cigar-box tattoo outfit containing a brass tattoo machine, a Ritco power supply, a bottle of Percy Waters Intense Black Tattooing Ink, eight milk-glass pigment jars, two tubes, and three hand-cut stencils. The machine was likely modified and reworked over the years, incorporating components dating through the mid-twentieth century, including replacement Jonesy coils and a later armature bar and spring.

According to tradition, the outfit belonged to an old carnival tattoo artist who brought it to Doc Webb's (1910-1986) shop in San Diego in the 1960s or 70s. The box remained on Webb's shelves for many years before being acquired by tattoo artist Larry Hanks, who worked alongside Webb.

  • Dimensions: Cigar box: 3 x 7 1/2 x 6 in. (7.6 x 19.1 x 15.2 cm.)
  • Condition: Bray & Co. Auctions is committed to providing accurate and thorough catalog descriptions, but prospective bidders are strongly encouraged to examine property in person or request additional information prior to bidding. Condition statements are offered solely as a courtesy and reflect our general observations at the time of cataloging; they should not be regarded as complete or definitive descriptions of condition, nor as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Certain imperfections, restorations, or signs of wear may not be specifically noted in written reports but may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which form part of the overall condition description. Please consult our Terms of Sale for additional information, and contact Bray & Co. Auctions with any questions or requests for supplemental photographs or condition details.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000