Crombie 'The Rules of Golf' Chromolithograph: Rule XVIII

This is a vintage lithographic print by the renowned British illustrator Charles Crombie, specifically part of his humorous 'The Rules of Golf' series published around 1905. The artwork depicts a golfer in Edwardian attire (red jacket, breeches, and yellow stockings) attempting to follow 'Rule XVIII' regarding the removal of mole-hills by brushing them lightly with the hand, while the moles themselves look on in confusion. The print is executed in a flat-color, cartoon style typical of the early 20th century, with text provided in both English and French. The central illustration is framed by a black border, containing the artist's signature 'Crombie' in the lower-left corner and a publisher's copyright line citing Perrier. The physical paper appears to be an off-white or cream-colored heavy stock with intentional wide margins. This specific plate is noted for its satirical take on historical golf regulations. Condition-wise, the print shows minor age-toning and light foxing consistent with its centenarian age, though the colors remain remarkably vibrant. The quality of the line work and the satirical charm are hallmarks of Crombie’s celebrated sporting portfolio.

I have virtually examined this lithograph from Charles Crombie’s 'Rules of Golf' series, published circa 1905 by Perrier. The print displays a vibrant palette and the characteristic satirical charm that makes Crombie a staple in the sporting art market. The presence of the Perrier copyright and dual-language text confirms this as part of the widely distributed 24-plate set commissioned for advertising purposes. Based on visual inspection, the item shows moderate age-toning and light foxing, which is typical for early 20th-century paper, though it does not significantly detract from the central image. The market for Crombie prints remains stable, driven by golf enthusiasts and vintage advertising collectors. Comparable individual plates typically hammer at auction between $100 and $300, depending on the specific rule depicted and the framing quality. While Rule XVIII is a desirable plate, it is not as rare as the complete bound volume. Please note that this valuation assumes the print is an original lithograph from the 1905-1906 period rather than a later mid-century reproduction. Limitations of this digital appraisal include the inability to inspect the paper's watermark, weight, or the reverse side for acidic mount damage. Full authentication would require a physical examination to confirm the printing process (chromolithography vs. modern offset) and the paper's composition. Provenance regarding its original acquisition or inclusion in a specific estate would further solidify its market standing.