1944 WWII Homefront Album Leaf Hand Lettered Mock Bequest 3 Mounted Photos Randa
A hand lettered album leaf dated February 22, 1944, on heavy cream board with three small black and white snapshots mounted into cut windows. The ink text is a joke, written in a fine period hand: it opens with a toast dedicated to a bottle of rum and a blending of good spirits, signed by Jim, Russ and George, then mock bequeaths to Reba O. Randall a strong right arm, a chest to rest her head upon, and a steady left arm to mix her drinks with, each gift illustrated by the snapshot beside it. The three photographs are close details of a light colored shirt, a shoulder and sleeve, a flap pocket chest, and a forearm, which is the visual punchline of the gag. Charming, very human wartime homefront ephemera with genealogy appeal for the Randall name. Condition: the board has toned to cream throughout, edges are worn with light fraying and small losses, and there is a small metal fastener at the binding edge where the leaf was removed from an album. All three photographs are intact and lying flat, and the ink is strong with no significant fading. Approximately 11 by 14 inches. Please note this is a single album leaf, not a complete album.
