Lot 190

Two Sheets of "Jonesy" Tattoo Designs Used by Jack Dracula [Folk Art - Diane Arbus] (America, ca. 1955) Each: 11 x 14 in. (27.9 x 35.6 cm.)

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Two Sheets of "Jonesy" Tattoo Designs Used by Jack Dracula [Folk Art - Diane Arbus] (America, ca. 1955) Each: 11 x 14 in. (27.9 x 35.6 cm.)

Estimate: $300 - $500

Current Bid: $150

(1 Bid)

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

Two Sheets of "Jonesy" Tattoo Designs Used by Jack Dracula [Folk Art - Diane Arbus]
(America, ca. 1955)
Hand-colored commercial tattoo flash by William "Jonesy" Jones (1898-1969), ca. 1955. Used by tattoo artist Martin Semnack (1935-2011), better known as Jack Dracula. Signed "Jack Dracula" lower right. Paint on photographic print.

Provenance: Collection of Frank Carter.

Raised in Brooklyn, Martin Semnack—better known as Jack Dracula—began collecting tattoos in Coney Island during the 1950s, receiving work from some of the era's most prominent artists, including Brooklyn Blackie, the Grecco Brothers, and later Stanley and Walter Moskowitz on the Bowery. He quickly became a fixture of the tattoo world, performing for shows, including the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus sideshow, and operating tattoo shops in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Philadelphia. His enduring fame was cemented by Diane Arbus's iconic 1961 photograph titled Jack Dracula, The Marked Man, N.Y.C., one of the most recognizable portraits of a heavily tattooed individual.

  • Dimensions: Each: 11 x 14 in. (27.9 x 35.6 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