Lot 13

Paul Rogers' Tattoo Photo Scrapbook [Bowery - Dietzel - Archive] (American, 1910-1960) 14 x 1 x 11 1/2 in. (35.6 x 2.5 x 29.2 cm.)

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Paul Rogers' Tattoo Photo Scrapbook [Bowery - Dietzel - Archive] (American, 1910-1960) 14 x 1 x 11 1/2 in. (35.6 x 2.5 x 29.2 cm.)

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000

Current Bid: $1,400

(4 Bids)

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

Paul Rogers' Tattoo Photo Scrapbook [Bowery - Dietzel - Archive]
(American, 1910-1960)
Exceptional folio scrapbook compiled and maintained by Paul Rogers (1905-1990), containing approximately 90 pieces of rare tattoo-related ephemera dating from the early twentieth century through 1960, mounted on 31 leaves. The contents include original business cards, correspondence, photographs, licenses, newspaper and magazine clippings, advertising material, and other tattoo-related ephemera assembled over the course of Rogers's career.

Of particular note are business cards for pioneering tattooers Percy Waters (Detroit), J.G. Russell (Pittsburgh), William Grimshaw (South Carolina), Tex Yates (Cincinnati), Dick Hilburn, and many others. The earliest is a card for F.A. Myers, likely Forrest Arnold Myers (1889-1959), a friend of Rogers and fellow cotton-mill worker who later invited him to tattoo in Charleston, South Carolina.

Other highlights include a Christmas card from Charlie Barrs with an original tattoo stencil; a Christmas card from Amund Dietzel with an extensive handwritten message; a typed letter from Les Skuse on Bristol Tattoo Club letterhead accompanied by ten snapshot photographs; and four tattoo licenses issued to Rogers in Spartanburg (1942), Charleston (1942), Jacksonville (1952), and Anchorage (1958). Also present are numerous newspaper and magazine clippings relating to tattooing and tattooed attractions, including material on Mildred Hull, Ralph Bayon, Charlie Wagner, Jack Julian, Sailor West, George Burchett, Sailor Tex, and others.

  • Dimensions: 14 x 1 x 11 1/2 in. (35.6 x 2.5 x 29.2 cm.)
  • Condition: Lacking front cover; rear cover detached.

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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