Lot 57

COLLECTION OF FILMS BY CLARENCE CALHOUN FAWCETT WITH GROUP PHOTOGRAPH OF "WORLD'S GREATEST DOG MOTHER"

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COLLECTION OF FILMS BY CLARENCE CALHOUN FAWCETT WITH GROUP PHOTOGRAPH OF "WORLD'S GREATEST DOG MOTHER"

Estimate: $100 - $300

Starting Bid: $50

(0 Bids)

by Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers
July 17, 2026 10:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
555 Washington Avenue Suite 129
St. Louis, MO, US 63101

COLLECTION OF FILMS BY CLARENCE CALHOUN FAWCETT WITH GROUP PHOTOGRAPH OF "WORLD'S GREATEST DOG MOTHER"
Clarence Fawcett bore the title "Director Ralston Purina Company, Dog Care Division". Reel to reel films from the 1950s and 1960s, some training and some personal. The group photograph, with Fawcett at the center, is titled "World's Greatest Dog Mother - Purina's New Victory - 109 Puppies in Seven Litters at - PURINA DOG CARE CENTER". Films include one for celebrated War Storm, the inaugural winner of the Purina Dog of the Year Award first awarded in 1963-1964. Film titles include "Brittany Ch. Trials - 1959", "Nat'l Cocker Trials - 1955", "Nat'l Fox Hound & Midwest - Sept '58", "Nat'l Springer Trials - '58 & '59", "Bird Dog R. P. Farm", "Nat'l Springer Trials - 12/1961, "W. H. W. T. C. A. Calif - 1966" and others. Other dogs of note titled on films are Bufkin and Miss Zev. All these titles are assumed by the hand of Clarence Fawcett, as well as a few listed notes attached to some reels.

Clarence Calhoun "Tex" Fawcett was born in Smithsville, Texas in 1902. His family moved to St. Louis, Missouri where he attended the old St. Louis School of Fine Arts. In 1927, Fawcett began working in the Ralston Purina art department where he was the art director for 25 years before becoming the director of the company's dog care division in 1959. Fawcett also wrote dog care columns for the firm for many years. Beyond his recognition as a painter for winning dogs in competition and field trials, he also received various awards from the Dog Writers of America for his books and films on dog events. During World War II, he was a regional associate for Dogs for Defense, which supplied and trained sentry dogs for the military. Fawcett served as president of the Greater St. Louis Training Club for eight years and was a licensed obedience judge. He also served as president of the Mississippi Valley Kennel Club here and of the West Highland White Terrier Club of America. He also bred champion West Highland White Terriers. His paintings have been on display in many states and at the American Kennel Club headquarters.

  • Provenance: Estate of Mr. Clarence Calhoun Fawcett
  • Dimensions: Largest case: 15 x 15 x 1 in. (38.1 x 38.1 x 2.5 cm.)
  • Condition: None of these films has been viewed. 8 film reels not in boxes, 4 small 6" tins with films, 7 films in 5" boxes and 4 khaki boxed films with straps and postage. Pencil markings to the back of the photograph include a date of 4 - 50.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $29 $5
$30 $99 $10
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $299,999 $10,000
$300,000 $499,999 $25,000
$500,000 + $50,000