Palmer Cox Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Palmer Cox Art Value Price Guide

Mar. 12, 2025
Palmer Cox Sweet Meat
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Palmer Cox sweet meat with 3 "running" Brownies and 2 rabbits, jar signed Napoli, lid stamped MW and has a turtle finial; diameter 5". CONDITION: no chips, cracks, repairs or material defects found, Jaremos attempts to call any material flaw that affects the price, but minor scratches and color variances are inherent to glass and antiques.
Jaremos
Mar. 12, 2025
Palmer Cox Brownie biscuit jar
Est: $2,500 - $4,000
Rare Mt. Washington Palmer Cox Brownie biscuit jar with a policeman chasing nefarious scoundrels and a duck looking on, signed Napoli, 8" ht. CONDITION: no chips, cracks, repairs or material defects found, Jaremos attempts to call any material flaw that affects the price, but minor scratches and color variances are inherent to glass and antiques.
Jaremos
Jun. 20, 2024
PALMER COX (1840-1924) Illustration archive.
Est: $3,000 - $6,000
PALMER COX (1840-1924) Illustration archive. Approximately 24 original illustrations by Palmer Cox. From thumbnail size to about 3 x 10 inches, on stiff paper, with layout notes; plus a signed "brownieland" card w/ sketch; plus 3 possibly unrelated sketches of men.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 13, 2023
Palmer Cox 'Brownie' watch holder
Est: $100 - $150
Late 19th/20th c., patinated metal, unmarked, 6"h x 5.75"w x 2.75"d
Millea Bros Ltd
May. 20, 2023
Palmer Cox The Brownies Around the World Hardcover Book
Est: $30 - $300
1894, Publisher - The Century Co., New York, Front cover and front page not attached to spine, Binding stripped, Book measures 10 x 8 1/2in.
Matthew Bullock Auctioneers
Dec. 15, 2022
PALMER COX (1840-1924) "Then back they wheeled with every spoke, An hour before the thrush awoke . . ." (BICYCLE)
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
PALMER COX (1840-1924) "Then back they wheeled with every spoke, An hour before the thrush awoke . . ." Illustration for the story "The Brownies on Bicycles" as published in The Brownies: Their Book (New York: The Century, 1887), page 24. Pen and ink on stiff paper mounted to card. 203x197 mm; 8x7 3/4 inches, image, on 11 3/49 3/4-inch mount. Signed "Palmer Cox" in lower left, captioned "On the wheels" with notes to printer on mounting card recto, verso with The Century Co. stamp. A charming illustration from the first volume of Cox's popular "Brownies" series. The end of the full caption printed in the book describing this scene reads: "So on through rough and smooth they spun /Until the turning-point was won / Then back they wheeled with every spoke,An hour before the thrush awoke." Palmer Cox's Brownies were the Smurfs of their day. Not only were they the source for a long line of best-selling children's books but their Canadian-born creator widely licensed them for all kinds of merchandise. Even Kodak's Brownie Camera was named for them. The stories and pictures were serialized in St. Nicholas and Ladies' Home Journal and adapted as Sunday comic strip. At least two plays were based on the popular characters. Arguably Cox drew his best pictures for this work, the original The Brownies, Their Book. Cox had not yet developed the vast cast of ethnic Brownies, but the Irishman and The Dude can be spotted among the predominately Scottish band of fairies in these early drawings.
Swann Auction Galleries
Dec. 15, 2022
PALMER COX (1840-1924) "One evening Brownies, peeping down / From bluffs that overlooked the town..." (BICYCLE)
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
PALMER COX (1840-1924) "One evening Brownies, peeping down / From bluffs that overlooked the town..." Illustration for the story "The Brownies on Bicycles" as published in The Brownies: Their Book (New York: The Century, 1887), page 19. Pen and ink on stiff paper mounted to card. 180x197 mm; 7 1/4x7 3/4 inches, image, on 12 1/2x9 1/2-inch mount. Signed "Palmer Cox" in lower right, captioned "On the Bluff" with notes to printer on mounting card recto, verso with The Century Co. stamp. A charming illustration from the first volume of Cox's popular "Brownies" series. The full caption printed in the book reads: "One evening Brownies, peeping down / From bluffs that overlooked the town / Saw wheelmen passing to and fro / Upon the boulevard below. 'It seems,' said one, 'an easy trick / The wheel goes 'round so smooth and quick / You simply sit and work your feet / And glide with grace along the street.'" Palmer Cox's Brownies were the Smurfs of their day. Not only were they the source for a long line of best-selling children's books but their Canadian-born creator widely licensed them for all kinds of merchandise. Even Kodak's Brownie Camera was named for them. The stories and pictures were serialized in St. Nicholas and Ladies' Home Journal and adapted as Sunday comic strip. At least two plays were based on the popular characters. Arguably Cox drew his best pictures for this work, the original The Brownies, Their Book. Cox had not yet developed the vast cast of ethnic Brownies, but the Irishman and The Dude can be spotted among the predominately Scottish band of fairies in these early drawings.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jun. 09, 2022
PALMER COX (1840-1924) "They sung both high and low, the same / As fancy led or courage came . . ."
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
PALMER COX (1840-1924) "They sung both high and low, the same / As fancy led or courage came . . ." Illustration for the story "The Brownies' Singing School" as published in The Brownies: Their Book (New York: The Century, 1887), page 124. Pen and ink on stiff paper mounted to card. 210x190 mm; 8 1/4x7 1/2 inches, image, on 12 1/4x9-inch mount. Signed "Palmer Cox" in lower left, captioned with the story title and "Pitching their voices" with notes to printer on mounting card recto, verso with The Century Co. stamp. A charming illustration from the first volume of Cox's popular "Brownies" series. The full caption printed in the book continues: "Some droned the tune through teeth of nose, Some piped like quail, or cawed like crows / That, hungry, wait the noonday horn / To call the farmer from his corn." Palmer Cox's Brownies were the Smurfs of their day. Not only were they the source for a long line of best-selling children's books but their Canadian-born creator widely licensed them for all kinds of merchandise. Even Kodak's Brownie Camera was named for them. The stories and pictures were serialized in St. Nicholas and Ladies' Home Journal and adapted as Sunday comic strip. At least two plays were based on the popular characters. Arguably Cox drew his best pictures for this work, the original The Brownies, Their Book. Cox had not yet developed the vast cast of ethnic Brownies, but the Irishman and The Dude can be spotted among the predominately Scottish band of fairies in these early drawings.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jun. 09, 2022
PALMER COX (1840-1924) "But we, who laugh at locks or law / Designed to keep mankind in awe . . ."
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
PALMER COX (1840-1924) "But we, who laugh at locks or law / Designed to keep mankind in awe . . ." Illustration for the story "The Brownies at Lawn-Tennis" as published in The Brownies: Their Book (New York: The Century, 1887), page 26. Pen and ink on stiff paper mounted to card. 233x190 mm; 9 1/4x7 1/2 inches, image, on 13x10-inch mount. Signed "Palmer Cox" in lower left, captioned with the story title and "In the park" with notes to printer on mounting card recto, verso with The Century Co. stamp. A charming illustration from the first volume of Cox's popular "Brownies" series, showing the Brownies determined to raid the pagoda shed which houses the desired tennis equipment. The full caption printed in the book reads: "But we, who laugh at locks or law / Designed to keep mankind in awe, May praise the keeper's cautious mind, But all the same an entrance find." Palmer Cox's Brownies were the Smurfs of their day. Not only were they the source for a long line of best-selling children's books but their Canadian-born creator widely licensed them for all kinds of merchandise. Even Kodak's Brownie Camera was named for them. The stories and pictures were serialized in St. Nicholas and Ladies' Home Journal and adapted as Sunday comic strip. At least two plays were based on the popular characters. Arguably Cox drew his best pictures for this work, the original The Brownies, Their Book. Cox had not yet developed the vast cast of ethnic Brownies, but the Irishman and The Dude can be spotted among the predominately Scottish band of fairies in these early drawings.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jun. 09, 2022
PALMER COX (1840-1924) ". . . and soon the bicycles they sought / From every room and bench were brought"
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
PALMER COX (1840-1924) ". . . and soon the bicycles they sought / From every room and bench were brought" Illustration for the story "The Brownies on Bicycles" as published in The Brownies: Their Book (New York: The Century, 1887), page 22. Pen and ink on stiff paper mounted to card. 220x197 mm; 8 1/2x7 3/4 inches, image, on 11 1/2x9 1/2-inch mount. Signed "Palmer Cox" in lower right, captioned "In the work shop" with notes to printer on mounting card recto, verso with The Century Co. stamp. A charming illustration from the first volume of Cox's popular "Brownies" series. The full caption printed in the book reads: "Not long could door or windows stand / Fast locked before the Brownie band; and soon the bicycles they sought / From every room and bench were brought." Palmer Cox's Brownies were the Smurfs of their day. Not only were they the source for a long line of best-selling children's books but their Canadian-born creator widely licensed them for all kinds of merchandise. Even Kodak's Brownie Camera was named for them. The stories and pictures were serialized in St. Nicholas and Ladies' Home Journal and adapted as Sunday comic strip. At least two plays were based on the popular characters. Arguably Cox drew his best pictures for this work, the original The Brownies, Their Book. Cox had not yet developed the vast cast of ethnic Brownies, but the Irishman and The Dude can be spotted among the predominately Scottish band of fairies in these early drawings.
Swann Auction Galleries
Mar. 12, 2022
THE BROWNIES BOOKS BY PALMER COX FIRST EDITION
Est: $100 - $150
Palmer Cox, 1840-1924, Canadian illustrator and writer. The Brownies is a series of humorous verse books and comic strips based on Scottish folktales about the mischievous but kindhearted fairy-like sprites which was published in magazines and books during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The lotal is a total of three illustrated books, all hardcover, first editions, published by The Century Co. The Brownies, Their Book, 1887. The Brownies Abroad, 1899. The Brownies, Many More Nights, 1913. Antique Children's Fairytale Books For Collectors.
Antique Arena Inc
Nov. 27, 2021
Palmer Cox - The Brownies in the Philippines, 1904
Est: €450 - €650
matita e china su cartoncino Pencil and ink on thin cardboard. Original illustration done by Cox and published in the “The Brownies in the Philippines” volume in 1904. Signed.
Finarte
Jan. 01, 2021
Palmer Cox Brownies Calendar
Est: $200 - $300
1907 framed Palmer Cox Brownies Calendar "SNAG-PROOF / LAST RUBBER / FOOTWEAR / ON EARTH". Sight 12" x 7 1/2".
Copake Auction Inc.
Dec. 06, 2020
Palmer Cox Sterling & Enamel Brownie Spoon.
Est: $30 - $50
Marked P. Cox’s and sterling on the back. Length 4 inches, 6 grams.
Casco Bay Auctions
Mar. 07, 2020
PALMER COX SITTING BROWNIE
Est: $75 - $150
PALMER COX SITTING BROWNIE. Height: 3 1/2 in. by Width: 5 in. by Depth: 3 in.
Lewis & Maese Antiques & Auctions
Mar. 07, 2020
PALMER COX BROWNIE OFFICER
Est: $400 - $600
PALMER COX BROWNIE OFFICER. Height: 7 in. by Width: 2 1/2 in. by Depth: 2 1/2 in.
Lewis & Maese Antiques & Auctions
Mar. 07, 2020
PALMER COX BROWNIE FIGURE
Est: $300 - $450
Large Chinamen composite Brownie figure. Jointed. This large Brownie is a seldom seen Palmer Cox figure. 9” tall. Height: 9 1/2 in. by Width: 4 in. by Depth: 3 in.
Lewis & Maese Antiques & Auctions
Mar. 07, 2020
PALMER COX BROWNIE FIGURE
Est: $500 - $750
Large papier-mâché Brownie figure. Patriotic Uncle Sam. 10” tall. Height: 10 in. by Width: 6 in. by Depth: 3 in.
Lewis & Maese Antiques & Auctions
Mar. 07, 2020
PALMER COX BROWNIE FIGURE
Est: $500 - $700
LARGE DUNCE HAT PALMER COX BROWNIE FIGURE. Height: 11 in. by Width: 3 in. by Depth: 2 1/2 in.
Lewis & Maese Antiques & Auctions
Dec. 06, 2018
PALMER COX. "At the Zoo."
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
PALMER COX. "At the Zoo." Likely an illustration intended for "The Brownies around the World" (New York: The Century, 1894). Pen and ink on stiff paper mounted to card. 100x140 mm; 4x5 1/2 inches, image, on 6 1/2x7-inch card. Signed in lower right, captioned and note to printer on mounting card, verso with The Century Co. stamps and those of graphic art collector Murray A. Harris, along with his signature.
Swann Auction Galleries
Apr. 21, 2018
Palmer Cox pen and ink
Est: $60 - $120
Palmer Cox (American 1840-1924)- Brownie- pen and ink on card, 1896, signed in ink, age-toned some abrasions verso. 3 1/2 x 4 1/2''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Dec. 14, 2017
PALMER COX. Brownies at a City Wall.
Est: $800 - $1,200
PALMER COX. Brownies at a City Wall. Original illustration depicting Cox's famous gang of characters who went on to be used in the first successful example of mass-merchandising, this cartoon was likely for Ladies' Home Journal or St. Nicholas magazine, circa late 1890s. Pen and ink on paper. 184x191 mm; 7 1/4x7 1/2 inches, on 8 1/2x8 1/4-inch sheet. Signed in lower left image. Mounted to window matte.
Swann Auction Galleries
Nov. 12, 2017
Palmer Cox Antique Book "Queerie Queers"
Est: $100 - $150
Palmer Cox Antique Book "Queerie Queers" Illustrations by Palmer Cox. Queerie Queers with Hands, Wings and Claws. Measures 10 x 8 inches.
Greenwich Auction
Mar. 18, 2017
Drawing, Palmer Cox
Est: $300 - $500
Palmer Cox (American/Canadian, 1840-1924), "Browniesland," 1897, ink on paper, overall (with frame): 8"h x 8"w
Clars Auctions
Apr. 08, 2015
Palmer Cox (Canadian 1840-1924). The Brownies Many More
Est: $800 - $1,200
Palmer Cox (Canadian 1840-1924). The Brownies Many More Nights Book Illustration Original Art Group. [N.p., n.d., ca. 1895]. This lot features three wonderful illustrations of the Brownies. Each of these drawings is mounted to a piece of support board. They have an approximate overall size of 10 x 7 inches. Aside from overall aging, they average very good condition.
Heritage Auctions
Apr. 08, 2015
Palmer Cox (Canadian 1840-1924). The Brownies Abroad Bo
Est: $800 - $1,200
Palmer Cox (Canadian 1840-1924). The Brownies Abroad Book Illustration Original Art Group. [N.p., n.d., ca. 1899]. This lot features ten charming illustrations (on seven pieces of board) of the Brownies. Each of these ten drawings is mounted to a piece of support board, sometimes several to a board. They range in image area from 1 x 2 to 3.5 x 6 inches. Aside from heavy wear, scattered staining, and overall aging, they average good condition.
Heritage Auctions
Apr. 08, 2015
Palmer Cox (Canadian 1840-1924). Another Brownies Book
Est: $800 - $1,200
Palmer Cox (Canadian 1840-1924). Another Brownies Book Illustration Original Art Group. [N.p., n.d., ca. 1890]. This lot features twenty five lighthearted illustrations (on two pieces of board) of the Brownies. Each of these drawings is mounted to a piece of support board, many to a board. They range in image area from 1 x 1 to 10 x 6 inches. Aside from heavy wear, scattered staining, and overall aging, they average good condition.
Heritage Auctions
Apr. 08, 2015
Palmer Cox (Canadian 1840-1924). The Brownies Many More
Est: $800 - $1,200
Palmer Cox (Canadian 1840-1924). The Brownies Many More Nights Book Illustration Original Art Group. [N.p., n.d., ca. 1895]. This lot features three lively illustrations of the Brownies. Each of these drawings is mounted to a piece of support board. They have an approximate overall size of 7 x 6 inches. Aside from overall aging, they average very good condition.
Heritage Auctions
Jul. 16, 2014
Palmer Cox
Est: $200 - $400
Canadian writer and illustrator (1840-1924) best known for his series of books and comic strips featuring the Brownies. Crisp ink sketch of one of his famous Brownie characters on an off-white 8.75 x 5.75 sheet, signed on the right side, "Palmer Cox, Brownieland, 1897." In fine condition, with uniform toning.
RR Auction
Sep. 24, 2013
Palmer Cox American, 1840-1924 The Brownie Disaster
Est: $500 - $800
Palmer Cox American, 1840-1924 The Brownie Disaster Signed Palmer Cox (lr) Ink on paper Sight 8 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches C The Leo Lerman and Gray Foy Collection
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
May. 09, 2012
PALMER COX
Est: $150 - $200
PALMER COX (1840-1924) Canadian-born illustrator and author who became famous for the series of "Brownie" books. Adorable original pen and ink sketch of one of his Brownies, executed on a 4 1/2" x 3 1/2" sheet. Signed beneath: "Palmer Cox Brownieland Dec. 1st, 1894". Bottom right corner torn off, well clear of text, else fine.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Dec. 07, 2011
Autograph - Palmer Cox
Est: $100 - $200
Canadian writer and illustrator (1840-1924) best known for his series of books and comic strips featuring the Brownies. Vintage ink signature, "Palmer Cox, Brownieland, Dec. 1st, 1894," on an off-white 4.5 x 2.75 card featuring a printed sketch of one of his famed Brownies. In fine condition, with scattered light soiling and a small area of paper loss to the bottom right corner.
RR Auction
Nov. 13, 2011
(Children's Books), Cox, Palmer (1840-1924), Queer Animals and Birds, Washington: Horace Fry, 1905, pictorial cloth, small 4to, (bum..
Est: $150 - $250
(Children's Books), Cox, Palmer (1840-1924), Queer Animals and Birds, Washington: Horace Fry, 1905, pictorial cloth, small 4to, (bumped, chipped, spine a bit sunned, pencilings to flyleaf, starting).
Skinner
Apr. 11, 2011
COX, PALMER.
Est: $800 - $1,200
COX, PALMER. Brownie with row of bicycles 3 1/4 by 3 1/2 in., ink drawing, unsigned, matted, glazed and framed (12 by 11 7/8 in.)
Sotheby's
Apr. 11, 2011
COX, PALMER.
Est: $700 - $900
COX, PALMER. Frog Band 3 1/2 by 6 1/2 in., ink and watercolor drawing, unsigned, matted, glazed and framed (13 by 14 3/4 in.), some minor and consistent browning
Sotheby's
Apr. 11, 2011
COX, PALMER.
Est: $500 - $700
COX, PALMER. Four Brownies 2 3/8 by 3 1/2 in., ink drawing, signed with artist's monogram lower right, matted, glazed and framed (12 1/4 by 13 3/8 in.)
Sotheby's
Aug. 17, 2010
PALMER COX (Canadian, 1840-1924) Brownies Halloween, bo
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
PALMER COX (Canadian, 1840-1924) Brownies Halloween, book illustration Ink on paper laid on board 10 x 8 in. Signed lower left
Heritage Auctions
Aug. 17, 2010
PALMER COX (Canadian, 1840-1924) Brownies, book illustr
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
PALMER COX (Canadian, 1840-1924) Brownies, book illustration Ink on paper laid on board 10 x 8 in. Signed lower right
Heritage Auctions
Aug. 17, 2010
PALMER COX (Canadian, 1840-1924) Brownies, book illustr
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
PALMER COX (Canadian, 1840-1924) Brownies, book illustration Ink on paper laid on board 9.25 x 7.5 in. Signed lower right
Heritage Auctions
Aug. 17, 2010
PALMER COX (Canadian, 1840-1924) Brownies, group of 13
Est: $600 - $900
PALMER COX (Canadian, 1840-1924) Brownies, group of 13 book illustrations Ink on paper laid on board 2.5 x 2.5 in. Not signed Thirteen illustrations ranging in size from .75 x 1.75 in. to 2.5 x 2.5 in.
Heritage Auctions
Aug. 17, 2010
PALMER COX (Canadian, 1840-1924) Brownies, book illustr
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
PALMER COX (Canadian, 1840-1924) Brownies, book illustration Ink on paper laid on board 8.25 in. diameter
Heritage Auctions
Oct. 19, 2009
COX, PALMER. 1840-1924.
Est: $600 - $900
Original illustration, pencil and gouache on board, approximately 11 ½ x 6 inches, signed ("Palmer Cox"), [May 1881], being a scene with a king leap-frogging a jester, framed, some rubbing. An interesting example of original artwork Cox appears to have completed for "St Nicholas Illustrated Magazine for Girls and Boys," May 1881. The story is titled "The King and the Clown," and captioned in pencil: "His Royal back he'd stoop / to chase a rolling hoop / Or do the game of leap frog with the wildest of the group." Two leaves from the original periodical included. Provenance: From the collection of M.B. Goldstone.
Bonhams
May. 14, 2009
PALMER COX
Est: $200 - $300
PALMER COX (1840-1924) Canadian-born illustrator and author who became famous for the series of "Brownie" books. Superb hand-drawn image and inscription signed twice, executed in black ink and watercolor on a card a 3 1/2" x 5 1/2" card. Cox has drawn a little "Brownie" figure in a hand-colored police uniform, who points to the message: "To Henry H. Hart Many blessings may you know While you tarry here below, Still increasing day by day As the seasons roll away. Palmer Cox Brownie Castle, Granby, Que.". One corner lightly bumped, otherwise in fine condition.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Mar. 12, 2009
PALMER COX (American 1840 - 1924) Brownies
Est: $600 - $800
PALMER COX (American 1840 - 1924) Brownies illustration Ink on paper 9.25 x 7.5 in. Signed lower right
Heritage Auctions
Jan. 26, 2008
German Palmer Cox Brownie Stein, by Gerz,
Est: $400 - $600
with polychrome painted body with high relief figures of six different Brownies and Uncle Sam, chasing each other through Forest, with domed lid with Brownie policeman set in pewter mounts, marked with stein in triangle, and O13 C/Made In/Germany, 8" high. Palmer Cox's (1840-1924) earliest publication of Brownie characters was in 1879, but it was not until the February 1881 issue of Wide Awake magazine when the characters really became popular with the general public. In 1883, Brownie stories appeared in many of the most popular magazines of the era, such as St. Nicholas magazine, Ladies' Home Journal, and others.
Cowan's Auctions
Apr. 27, 2005
COX, Palmer (1840-1924). Twenty-six original pen-and-ink drawings for The Brownies: Their
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
COX, Palmer (1840-1924). Twenty-six original pen-and-ink drawings for The Brownies: Their Book, published New York, 1887. Various sizes from 1 1/2 x 1 1/4 in. to 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (38 x 32 mm to 165 x 165 mm), each mounted to an 8vo sheet, laid in blue quarter morocco slipcase. (A few with some light soiling, some loose from mounts.) Provenance: Thomas A. McGraw, M.D. (bookplate, sold Parke Bernet, 11 April 1967, lot 44). A FINE SERIES OF DRAWINGS FOR THE FIRST 'BROWNIE' BOOK. Cox published these popular juvenile books over a period of thirty years, beginning with The Brownies: Their Book in 1887. Palmer had originally introduced The Brownies in St. Nicholas magazine before this first book appearance. His intricate drawings often showed hundreds to a page, each one displaying a unique characteristic and personality. The Brownie books were among the most popular series of books for children ever to appear in America. The 14 volumes about the Brownies included a cantata, a play and a primer. The Brownies: Their Book is a Peter Parley to Penrod title (p. 84, see next lot).
Christie's
May. 13, 2004
The Brownies in the Philippines
Est: $100 - $150
xi, [1], 144 pp. Illustrated throughout with drawings by Palmer Cox. 10x8 1/2, original decorative light brown cloth, stamped in dark maroon, all edges gilt. First Edition. The various outdoor and traveling adventures from the author's famous Brownie's series.
PBA Galleries Auctions & Appraisers