Reuben Lucius Goldberg Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Reuben Lucius Goldberg Art Value Price Guide

Oct. 08, 2024
Rube Goldberg (American, 1883-1970) The Professor's Brain Tosses Off His Latest Anti-Floor Walk-ing Paraphernalia- sight 7 1/4 x 18 3/4in (18.4 x 47.6cm)
Est: $800 - $1,200
Rube Goldberg (American, 1883-1970) The Professor's Brain Tosses Off His Latest Anti-Floor Walk-ing Paraphernalia- signed 'R. Goldberg' (lower right) pen and ink on paper sight 7 1/4 x 18 3/4in (18.4 x 47.6cm)
Bonhams
Jun. 05, 2024
Rube Goldberg Original Cartoon Panel
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Rube Goldberg Rube Goldberg Views the News for His Latest Invention Daily Comic Strip Original Art dated 7-15 circa early 1950's. 8" x 17" "Taking the Shirt off the Taxpayers Back". Features Joe DiMaggio as the Baseball Player.
Weiss Auctions
Apr. 26, 2024
RUBE GOLDBERG'S BRONZE 'THE FOUR WINDS'
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
RUBE GOLDBERG'S BRONZE 'THE FOUR WINDS' (1883 - 1970) American cartoonist known especially for the cartoon contraptions created by his character Prof. Lucifer Gorgonzola Butts, as well as being the namesake for 'Rube Goldberg' machines - contraptions with a complicated series of steps only to perform simple tasks. A very rare set of four Goldberg-signed bronze busts, 'The Four Winds', showing tyrants Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Fidel Castro and Nikita Khrushchev all in unflattering depictions, blowing 'wind' at their gullible listeners. The bronzes each measure about 11 in. tall and 8 in. wide, the entire assemblage on a formica-covered wood base with a plaque reading 'The Four Winds Rube Goldberg 1964' All are signed in full but for one which is signed with his initials. In fine condition. We have been unable to locate a single other example of this piece. The son of a Jewish immigrant from Germany, Goldberg also was a prolific political cartoonist for several New York papers, his work having a left-leaning tilt. He won a Pulitzer Prize for his cartoon of an oblivious American family relaxing atop a huge atomic bomb teetering on the edge of a cliff. It was these sentiments that undoubtedly were the impetus behind these great sculptures.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Mar. 26, 2024
Rube Goldberg (American 1883-1970), His Masterpiece, June, 1962, Ink, Charcoal, and White Heightening on Paper, Frame: 12 x 14 3/4 in. (30.5 x 37.5 cm.)
Est: $300 - $500
Rube Goldberg (American 1883-1970), His Masterpiece, June, 1962, Ink, Charcoal, and White Heightening on Paper,
Weschler's
Nov. 30, 2023
RUBE GOLDBERG'S BRONZE 'THE FOUR WINDS'
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
RUBE GOLDBERG'S BRONZE 'THE FOUR WINDS' (1883 - 1970) American cartoonist known especially for the cartoon contraptions created by his character Prof. Lucifer Gorgonzola Butts, as well as being the namesake for 'Rube Goldberg' machines - contraptions with a complicated series of steps only to perform simple tasks. A very rare set of four Goldberg signed bronze busts, 'The Four Winds', showing tyrants Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Fidel Castro and Nikita Khrushchev all in unflattering depictions, blowing 'wind' at their gullible listeners. The bronzes each measure about 11 in. tall and 8 in. wide, the entire assemblage on a formica-covered wood base with a plaque reading 'The Four Winds Rube Goldberg 1964' All are signed in full but for one which is signed with his initials. In fine condition. We have been unable to locate a single other example of this piece. The son of a Jewish immigrant from Germany, Goldberg also was a prolific political cartoonist for several New York papers, his work having a left-leaning tilt. He won a Pulitzer Prize for his cartoon of an oblivious American family relaxing atop a huge atomic bomb teetering on the edge of a cliff. It was these sentiments that undoubtedly were the impetus behind these great sculptures.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Jun. 16, 2023
RUBE GOLDBERG
Est: $140 - $200
RUBE GOLDBERG (1883 - 1970) American cartoonist known especially for the cartoon contraptions created by his character Prof. Lucifer Gorgonzola Butts, as well as being the namesake for 'Rube Goldberg' machines - contraptions with a complicated series of steps only to perform simple tasks. Original sketch, inscription and signature on a quarto album page, shows Goldberg looking into a television camera with the operator scowling at him from behind. He writes: 'Vince, thanks for a swell five minutes. I was relaxed and very happy. Rube Goldberg' This page was taken from the autograph album kept by bandleader VINCENT LOPEZ (1895-1975). The page is also inscribed and signed by Lopez's fellow bandleader, RAY ANTHONY (b. 1922) and others, unidentified. Very good.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Jun. 16, 2023
RUBE GOLDBERG
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
RUBE GOLDBERG (1883 - 1970) American cartoonist known especially for the cartoon contraptions created by his character Prof. Lucifer Gorgonzola Butts, as well as being the namesake for 'Rube Goldberg' machines - contraptions with a complicated series of steps only to perform simple tasks. A very rare set of four Goldberg signed bronze busts, 'The Four Winds', showing tyrants Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Fidel Castro and Nikita Khrushchev all in unflattering depictions, blowing 'wind' at their gullible listeners. The bronzes each measure about 11 in. tall and 8 in. wide, the entire assemblage on a formica-covered wood base with a plaque reading 'The Four Winds Rube Goldberg 1964' All are signed in full but for one which is signed with his initials. In fine condition. We have been unable to locate a single other example of this piece. The son of a Jewish immigrant from Germany, Goldberg also was a prolific political cartoonist for several New York papers, his work having a left-leaning tilt. He won a Pulitzer Prize for his cartoon of an oblivious American family relaxing atop a huge atomic bomb teetering on the edge of a cliff. It was these sentiments that undoubtedly were the impetus behind these great sculptures.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Apr. 16, 2023
Rube Goldberg Pen and Ink Drawing
Est: $200 - $400
Rube Goldberg (Rube Lucius Goldberg) Pen and Ink Drawing. Rube Goldberg Pen and Ink Drawing This famous cartoonist, Rube Goldberg, was born in San Francisco, California in 1883. He became a Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoonist, sculptor, and author. His drawings of absurdly-connected machines accomplishing by extremely complex, roundabout means what seemingly could be done simply has meant that his name RUBE GOLDBERG has become associated with any convoluted solution to perform a simple task.
Collective Hudson, LLC
Mar. 19, 2023
RUBE LUCIUS GOLDBERG (AMERICAN, 1883-1970).
Est: $200 - $400
Two Bronze sculptures. One is signed and the other signed and numbered 4 of 12. From a Queens, NY estate collection.
Clarke Auction Gallery
Feb. 15, 2023
RUBE GOLDBERG PLAQUE. BRONZE FINISH.
Est: $120 - $160
Rube Goldberg Plaque. Bronze finish. Dimensions: H: 7.5 inches: W: 9.5 inches --- -- We offer curbside delivery to NYC, Manhattan, Close Brooklyn, Hoboken about a week after the auction at reasonable rates. See details at our website. https://www.uniquesandantiques.com/nyc/
Uniques & Antiques
Oct. 29, 2022
RUBE LUCIUS GOLDBERG (AMERICAN, 1883-1970)
Est: $400 - $600
Two Bronze sculptures. One is signed and the other signed and numbered 4 of 12. From a Queens, NY estate collection.
Clarke Auction Gallery
Sep. 29, 2022
Rube Goldberg Signed Photo
Est: $150 - $200
Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist (1883-1970) is remembered for his portrayals of overly complicated gadgets, now known as 'Rube Goldberg machines.'a vintage B&W 8 x 10 portrait, boldly signed and inscribed in fountain pen, "To My Dear Friend Alliser McLellan. A Fine Doctor And A Great Human Being-—Rube Goldberg, December '62". In fine condition,
One of a Kind Collectibles Auctions, LLC
Jul. 30, 2022
Rube Lucius Goldberg, New York / California (1883-1970), The Art of the Tour, bronze, ed. 4/6
Est: $800 - $1,200
Rube Lucius Goldberg New York / California, (1883-1970) The Art of the Tour bronze, ed. 4/6 signed and numbered
Link Auction Galleries
Jul. 30, 2022
Rube Lucius Goldberg, New York / California (1883-1970), Man Waiting for Table, bronze, ed. 1/6
Est: $400 - $600
Rube Lucius Goldberg New York / California, (1883-1970) Man Waiting for Table bronze, ed. 1/6 signed and numbered
Link Auction Galleries
Jul. 16, 2022
THE COLD WAR CARTOONS WERE DARK
Est: $200 - $300
Reuben Garrett Lucius Goldberg (1883-1970), known best as Rube Goldberg, was an American cartoonist, sculptor, author, engineer, and inventor. This cartoon, 14-1/2” x 20-1/2”,“Threat of War” shows a young fearful family with an ominous feel. It is signed “Rube Goldberg” and was published September 30, 1948. This is likely the result of the Soviets blockading Berlin in June of 1948. America started the Berlin Air Lift in response that blockade. American and British air forces flew over Berlin more than 250,000 times, dropping necessities such as fuel and food, with the original plan being to lift 3,475 tons of supplies daily. Of course tensions between Russia and the Allies dramatically increased.
Raynor's Historical Collectible Auctions
Jun. 04, 2022
Rube Goldberg, New York, California (1883 - 1970), Fathers Day, Just what I need, 1940, ink on paper, 15 1/2"H x 12 1/8"W
Est: $800 - $1,200
Rube Goldberg New York, California, (1883 - 1970) Fathers Day, Just what I need, 1940 ink on paper signed lower right and lower left. Provenance verso: Tuesday, June 4, NY Sun Fathers Day Biography from the Archives of askART: This famous cartoonist, Rube Goldberg, was born in San Francisco, California in 1883. He became a Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoonist, sculptor, and author. His drawings of absurdly-connected machines accomplishing by extremely complex, roundabout means what seemingly could be done simply has meant that his name RUBE GOLDBERG has become associated with any convoluted solution to perform a simple task. His father, a practical man, insisted he go to college to become an engineer. After graduating from the University of California, Rube went to work as an engineer with the City of San Francisco Water and Sewers Department. He soon got a job as an office boy in the sports department of a San Francisco newspaper. He kept submitting drawings and cartoons to his editor, and finally was published. An outstanding success, he soon moved from San Francisco to New York drawing daily cartoons for the "Evening Mail." Through his "inventions", Rube Goldberg discovered harder ways to achieve easy results. His cartoons compressed time and were as he said, "symbols of man's capacity for exerting maximum effort to accomplish minimal results." Rube believed that there are two ways to do things, the simple and the hard way, and that a surprisingly number of people preferred doing things the hard way. Rube Goldberg's work gave priority to simple human needs and treasured basic human values. He was sometimes skeptical about advanced technology and big science, which contributed to making his own mechanical inventions primitive and full of human, plant and animal parts. While most machines work to make difficult tasks simple, his inventions made simple tasks amazingly complex. Dozens of arms, wheels, gears, handles, cups, and rods were put in motion: by balls, canary cages, pails, boots, bathtubs, paddles and live animals for the simple tasks of squeezing an orange for juice, or closing a window if it should start to rain before one gets home. Rube's inventions are a unique commentary on life's complexities. They provide a humorous diversion into the absurd that lampoons the "wonders of technology." Rube's hilarious send ups of man's ingenuity strike a deep and lasting chord with today's audience caught in a high-tech revolution but seeking simplicity.
Ripley Auctions
Dec. 09, 2021
Rube Goldberg Signed Photo
Est: $100 - $200
Black and white with publicity photograph of Rube Goldberg wearing a bow tie and suit with his arms crossed in front of him. Photograph inscribed and signed: "All The Best/To Al Abrams -/Rube/Goldberg/ October 9th, 1967". B/w, , 8x10. Reuben Lucius Goldberg (1883-1970), an engineer turned cartoonist, created the popular Professor Lucifer Butts, famous for his inventions of mechanical contrivances of absurdly unnecessary complexity as well as a comic strip featuring Boob McNutt, a young man whose interest in other people often got him into trouble (syndicated by Hearst from 1918-1933). He was awarded the 1948 Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning for a work entitled "Peace Today". Surface striations. Lightly creased and worn. Photographer's stamp on verso (no show through). Overall, fine condition. With JSA and One of a Kind Collectibles LOA To bid Register at https://www.oakauctions.com/
One of a Kind Collectibles Auctions, LLC
Oct. 30, 2021
GOLDBERG RUBE
Est: €30 - €100
'Bill' & 'Boob McNutt'. Comics from 'The Call Bulletin'
Campo & Campo
Jun. 24, 2021
RUBE GOLDBERG (1883-1970) Group of three Cold War-era political cartoons.
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
RUBE GOLDBERG (1883-1970) Group of three Cold War-era political cartoons. Together, group of 3 political cartoons for unknown publications, each with "Lang Co, Inc. Photoengravers" stamp on verso. Ink, conté crayon, and gouache on paper. Each approximately 350x280 mm; 13 3/4x11 inches, on 18 1/4x14 1/4-inch sheets. Each signed "Rube Goldberg," the first two in lower left image, the third in lower right image. All captioned in upper margin, though two are crossed out. Cornered to boards with mattes and framed. Provenance: Swann Auction Galleries, January 23, 2014, lot 90; current owner. The group includes: "They're Not So Particular" * "Sole Power to Declare War" * "The Great British-Soviet Get-Together Act."
Swann Auction Galleries
May. 23, 2021
RUBE GOLDBERG
Est: $200 - $300
(1883 - 1970) American cartoonist known especially for the cartoon contraptions created by his character Prof. Lucifer Gorgonzola Butts, as well as being the namesake for 'Rube Goldberg' machines - contraptions with a complicated series of steps only to perform simple tasks. T.L.S. on personal letterhead, 1p. 4to., New York, March 31, 1933, to Mr. Beatty declining an invitation to give a speech. In part: '...Accept my apologies for answering at this late date...I will be unable to accept your very kind invitation to speak at the Fort Washington Chamber of Commerce...I shall be glad to appear at some future time...and contribute to the insanity that is rapidly overtaking the world...' Fine condition.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Apr. 11, 2021
CARTOON CHARACTER PICTURE BY RUBE GOLDBERG (1883-1970),
Est: $500 - $1,000
Framed 7x21" Cartoon Character Picture "Simple way to end your stock market troubles" By Rube Goldberg (1883-1970), Autographed and Dated 1968. From Chasen's, Hollywood's most beloved watering holes and a favorite of stars such as Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe and Walt Disney. Good vintage condition NAVIS Pack and Ship will be handling the shipping of all items from this auction. Go to: http://blockauction.gonavis.com/ for a shipping quote or: Email: MI1053@gonavis.com with a link to the lot that you would like to bid on along with your zip code.
Block Auction House
Feb. 24, 2021
Rube Goldberg (1883-1970) Bronze Man Sculpture
Est: $100 - $1,000
Rube Goldberg (American, 1883-1970). Bronze sculpture depicting a jolly man with top hat. Signed LE 3/6 on coat tail. Fixed to composition plinth. Measures approximately 16 in. x 12 in. x 8 in. Hill Auction Gallery in house continental USA shipping $85 plus insurance. Gallery will refer a local shipper for international buyers. Purchaser pick up available upon request.
Hill Auction Gallery
May. 29, 2020
20th c Bronze Child Signed Rube
Est: $200 - $300
20th c bronze sculpture of a child signed Rube (Reuben Lucius Goldberg 1883-1970), ht 3 1/2", overall ht with base 4"
Merrill's Auctioneers & Appraisers
Apr. 19, 2020
Rube Goldberg, American (1883-1970), Bronze.
Est: $200 - $300
Rube Goldberg, American (1883-1970), Bronze Sculpture Mounted on Base. Signed. Provenance Long Island, NY Estate. Generally Good Condition. Dimensions- H-9" x W-9". Please note the absence of a condition report does not imply that there are no condition issues with this lot. Please contact us for a detailed condition report.
World Auction Gallery
Feb. 26, 2020
Rube Goldberg Original Signed Drawing
Est: $300 - $400
Goldberg Rube Rube Goldberg Original Signed Drawing Rube Goldberg original inscribed and signed drawing, rendered in graphite on bi-fold stationary stock, 5.5" x 8.5". Goldberg draws a tower of balancing characters with a dog placed along the top with a lamp on his head. Inscribed to "Ruth Forster" and signed "Rube Goldberg". Please note that original Rube Goldberg comics can go for $1500 and up. Rube was lured over to Hearst in 1918, where he automatically got a spot in a first-class Sunday section which ran in top newspapers. This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses. WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
University Archives
Oct. 02, 2019
Rube Goldberg Original Signed Cartoon
Est: $400 - $500
Goldberg Rube Rube Goldberg Original Signed Cartoon A wonderful original illustration by Reuben "Rube" Goldberg (1883-1970) signed by him as "Rube Goldberg" at lower right. Black crayon on paper. Also personally inscribed, ca. 1950. Light expected wear, else near fine. 9.625" x 12". Goldberg depicts a pile of acrobats at center. The figures, all with comically exaggerated features, perform an unnecessarily complicated stunt. The topmost recumbent figure toasts the dedicatee with the handwritten speech bubble: "To Mary G / With Love / And All / The Best of / Everything." Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist Rube Goldberg had abandoned a Berkeley Engineering Degree to pursue drawing in the early twentieth century. By 1915, Goldberg was so successful that he earned $50,000 a year--that's over 1.25 million dollars in today's money! Goldberg's nationally syndicated comic strips and newsreels garnered such appeal that newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst unsuccessfully jockeyed for Goldberg's contract. Goldberg's most well-known cartoons fall into two categories: his political ones (for which he won the Pulitzer Prize in 1948); and his series showing "Goldberg machines," a term developed to describe the elaborately constructed and utterly purposeless inventions Goldberg often depicted. There is a little of the nihilistic humor of Goldberg's 1931 Professor Butts and the Self-Operating Napkin in our illustration showing three men holding a single wine glass. This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses. WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
University Archives
Aug. 07, 2019
RUBE GOLDBERG STYLE MECHANICAL CLOCK. CLOCK OPERA
Est: $300 - $400
Rube Goldberg Style Mechanical Clock. Clock Operates From a System of Wall and Ceiling Mount Pulleys and Cables. Base unit is 46.5" H x 15" W x 16" D.-- Dimensions: ---
Uniques & Antiques
Jun. 26, 2019
Rube Goldberg Boob McNutt Original Drawing
Est: $300 - $400
Goldberg Rube Rube Goldberg Boob McNutt Original Drawing Rube Goldberg original drawing and salutation on card stock, 4.25" x 2.75". Goldberg draws his title character "Boob" with a speech bubble saying "Hello Louise", with the inscription of "Love From Boob McNutt". Along the bottom Rube signed his drawing and dated the card "Aug 1931 / Rube Goldberg". An exceptional example. Please note that original Rube Goldberg comics can go for $1500 and up. Rube was lured over to Hearst in 1918, where he automatically got a spot in a first-class Sunday section which ran in top newspapers. So, 95 years ago in June, a new character, Boob McNutt, was born. This character lived up to his name. He was a big, dopey man-child who began every episode forlorn, despondent and suicidal; yet somehow, a good Samaritan always would come on the scene to offer him a fresh start with a new job. These would inevitably be tasks requiring a lot of trust (foolishly placed) on their part and intelligence (totally lacking) on Boob’s end of the arrangement. However, botching a job every week can only go on for so long, so the strip added a love interest and an arch-enemy in the form of Pearl and Major Gumbo. Pearl would go on to marry, divorce and remarry Boob several times before the strip ended in 1934. Rube and Boob had a run of 16 years with King Features Syndicate, but having the temperament of a true artist, and being very well off, Goldberg got bored with Boob and could afford to retire him in favor of a fresh project. This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses. WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
University Archives
Jun. 13, 2019
Goldberg, Rube. 1883-1970. Original drawing on board by Vincent Zito, being a large caricature of Goldberg,
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Goldberg, Rube. 1883-1970. Original drawing on board by Vincent Zito, being a large caricature of Goldberg, 508 x 762 mm, created for the Circus Saints and Sinners Club of America, 1936, signed ("Rube Goldberg"), also signed by over 100 other event attendees, some wear to board, smudging.The Circus Saints and Sinners Club of America is a national charitable organization. Their Club hosted a series of "Fall Guy" roasts in which the honoree's portrait was drawn and then signed by him, the artist, and the other attendees. Artist Rube Goldberg, famed for his madcap inventions, was the "Fall Guy" on November 25, 1936, the night he received this portrait by popular 1930s caricaturist Vincent Zito.
Bonhams
Feb. 20, 2019
Rube Goldberg, Cartoonist.
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Original 1950 cartoon. Three stacked men. "To Mary G with love and all the best of everything. Rube Goldberg." 11.75"x 10" This is an unreserved auction with no minimums. This is an online only sale. Items may be viewed upon appointment in New York City. Condition: More detailed condition reports and additional photographs are available by request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in excellent condition. Please message us through the online bidding platform or call Guernsey's at 212-794-2280 to request a more thorough condition report.
Guernsey's
Feb. 02, 2019
Rube Goldberg Original Signed Drawing.
Est: $150 - $250
Goldberg, Rube. Rube Goldberg Original Signed Drawing. April, 1931. Ink drawing on McNaught Syndicate letterhead, inscribed and signed by Goldberg to Charlotte Dowse. 11 x 8 ½”. Light original folds, scrapbooking paper remnant to verso with some discoloration.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Dec. 15, 2018
Rube Goldberg Ceramic Abstract Sculpture
Est: $200 - $300
Rube Goldberg ceramic abstract sculpture on a black plinth. [14 x 4 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches].
Roland Auctions NY
Oct. 21, 2018
Rube Goldberg Inventions Cartoon India Ink Paper
Est: -
Rube Goldberg (1883-1970) "Inventions cartoon, ...self watering palm tree with cat and dog," india ink on paper, pencil inscription at bottom, signed lower right, " R GOLDBERG." Image: 6.5" H x 17.75" W; frame:18.25" H x 28.5" W.
Auctions at Showplace
Aug. 20, 2018
Rube Goldberg (American 1883-1970), Original Ink, "Baseball Days"
Est: $100 - $200
Rube Goldberg (1883-1970), Baseball Days, c.1945, Ink on paper illustration, SLR, framed. Size: 11'' x 15'', 28 x 38 cm (sight); 17'' x 21.5'', 43 x 55 cm (frame).
Material Culture
Jul. 08, 2018
RUBE GOLDBERG (AMERICAN 1883-1970), ORIGINAL INK CARTOON FOR THE NY SUN, "HIS FIRST SMILE IN YEARS", SIGNED AND INSCRIBED "TO A.W. MCKENZIE-FROM RUBE GOLDBERG, OCT 31, 1941". SHEET 19 1/2 X 15"
Est: $200 - $300
RUBE GOLDBERG (AMERICAN 1883-1970), ORIGINAL INK CARTOON FOR THE NY SUN, "HIS FIRST SMILE IN YEARS", SIGNED AND INSCRIBED "TO A.W. MCKENZIE-FROM RUBE GOLDBERG, OCT 31, 1941". SHEET 19 1/2 X 15"
William J Jenack Auctioneers
Dec. 13, 2017
Rube Lucius Goldberg, Strutting Man, Bronze
Est: $5,000 - $6,000
Artist: Rube Lucius Goldberg, American (1883 - 1970) Title: Strutting Man Year: circa 1950 Medium: Bronze with patina, signature inscribed Size: 12.25 in. x 3 in. x 6 in. (31.12 cm x 7.62 cm x 15.24 cm)
RoGallery
Dec. 03, 2017
GOLDBERG, Rube. Bronze Sculpture "After the Plaza"
Est: $300 - $500
Signed and numbered 1/6 on back. Rube Lucius Goldberg (American, 1883 - 1970). From a Hastings on Hudson, NY home.
Clarke Auction Gallery
Oct. 20, 2015
Rube Goldberg (1883-1970 New York, NY)
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
''How to Catch a Mouse'', appears unsigned, mixed media on wooden table base, 22'' H x 46'' W x 19'' D, est: $8000/12,000. Exhibited: Hammer Galleries, New York, NY, 1960's; California Institute of Technology, Baxter Hall, Pasadena, CA, on long exhibit and loan 1972 to 2015. Note: Pulitzer prize winning cartoonist, sculptor and author Rube Goldberg is best known for his convoluted and complicated cartoons and contraptions that solve a simple problem. The present work is a rare polychromed ceramic, metal, string and found object sculpture illustrating how to trap a mouse. The brass presentation plaque reads: ''Woman, frightened by mouse, jumps on stool, hitting head against teeterboard and spilling water from pitcher into bathtub - bather scrubs back with brush attached to large jack lift which lifts dog to grab bone and work gears, causing mallet to strike shell of turtle - turtle pulls in neck, setting off cannon which shoot cannonball through coiled pipe - ball lands in the cup which its weight pushes down hand which closes mousetrap and, at the same time, causes it to upset innocent bystander who lights off fuse and sets off rocket which takes mouse and trap to the moon - never to be heard of again.'' The piece is purported to be one of only 3 such sculptures made by Goldberg; each is of the same mechanism. The sculpture is presented in a clear acrylic case on a wooden table base, measuring 48'' H x 46'' W x 19'' D overall. In the mid-1960s Robert L. and Mary H. Meyer purchased the present work from a Hammer Gallery exhibition of Goldberg's work. Goldberg was present at the exhibit. The mousetrap sculpture was shipped to Meyer's downtown Los Angeles law office where it was displayed until his death in 1972. At that time, for security and insurance purposes, the sculpture was loaned to the California Institute of Technology where it remained on display until 2015.
John Moran Auctioneers
Jul. 26, 2015
RUBE GOLDBERG 1952 EISENHOWER POLITICAL CARTOON
Est: $400 - $600
GOLDBERG, Rube, (American, 1883-1970): Original illustration of President Dwight Eisenhower preparing to move into the White House with his artist supplies and piano, Pen/Ink/Paper, titled "His Eye on the Music Room" and dedicated under the piano "With Best Wishes to my Piano Tuning Friend Theodore E. Steinway, Rube Goldberg, Sept. 1952". Also signed lower right, pencil inscription NY Journal - American, August 2, 1952. Sight size 14 1/4" x 11", framed and matted, 20 3/4" x 17 1/2".
Burchard Galleries Inc
Jun. 21, 2015
RUBE LUCIUS GOLDBERG, (American, 1883-1970), THE STOCK MARKET, ca. 1928, pencil and ink on paper, sheet: 11 x 19 1/2 in.
Est: $600 - $800
RUBE LUCIUS GOLDBERG (American, 1883-1970) THE STOCK MARKET ca. 1928, pencil and ink on paper signed RL Goldberg, center sheet: 11 x 19 1/2 in. Provenance: Property of a Private Collection, Boston, MA; The Boston Art Club.
Grogan & Company
Apr. 29, 2015
Reuben Lucius (Rube) Goldberg (American, 1883-1970): Bust of Pre
Est: -
Reuben Lucius (Rube) Goldberg (American, 1883-1970): Bust of President de Gaulle, c.1967 Height 16.5 in (42 cm)
Bonhams
Feb. 11, 2015
RUBE GOLDBERG
Est: $300 - $400
RUBE GOLDBERG (1883 - 1970) American cartoonist known especially for his cartoon contraptions created by his character Prof. Lucifer Gorgonzola Butts. An original signed pen and ink production drawing for a published cartoon strip, 17 3/4" x 5 1/4 (sight), 1943, depicting a black caddy tying up three golfers in order to silence them while the other member of the foursome attempts to putt with explanation at left: "Certain golfers can't take a shot if anybody moves or makes a sound -- There should be an attendant stationed at each green to tie and gag the three members of each foursome while the other fussy member takes a putt." Of course, at right the putting member complains, "Hey, I can't putt- one of those guys is still breathing!" Boldly signed "Rb Goldberg" at far right and signed and inscribed at the lower left, "TO LEONARD BLIZARD (HOPE THIS DOESN'T APPLY TO YOU) RUBE GOLDBERG NOV. 22, 1943". Leonard Blizard (1893 - 1970) was a prominent book designer at Doubleday in New York. Minor toning and soiling not detracting, else very good condition. Simply framed and ready for display.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
May. 14, 2014
Rube Goldberg
Est: $200 - $400
Amusing pen and ink sketch entitled 'Foolish Questions-No. 1,000,104,' 6 x 6.5, signed in the lower right, "R. L. Goldberg." The cartoon shows an oafish boy wearing a beanie and striped trousers bending over an empty box asking, "Say, Boss, is this box empty?" His exasperated boss, leaning on a table, replies, "No, you pill-it's full of bald-headed sausage cakes." Attractively double-matted and framed to an overall size of 11.5 x 12. In fine condition. Foolish Questions was one of Goldberg's earliest 'regular' newspaper panels and brought him nationwide popularity.
RR Auction
Feb. 17, 2014
WWII Roll Your Sleeves New York, Rube Goldberg
Est: $50 - $100
Artist: Rube Goldberg Artist Dates: 1883-1970 Signed Within Plate: Yes Date of Work: c. 1938-45? Description: Poster states "Roll up your sleeves, New York!" and "Volunteer, enroll at your local C.D.V.O." Lida Orzeck came across more than 750 vintage war posters from World War I and World War II in her familyâ€™s home basement that her father, David Orzeck, a Brooklyn doctor, had meticulously collected. Discovered in 1970, the posters â€" of which few pristine prints remain with the exception of the National Archives and the Library of Congress â€" were in mint condition, neatly catalogued and folded in brown wrapping paper from grocery stores. Size: 17"L x 22"H Weight: < 1 ounce Provenance: Dr. David Orzeck Condition: Poster has original fold marks and has not been exposed to sunlight, thus preserving the vibrant colors. Recently backed with archival paper (reversible). Artist Biography: Reuben Garrett Lucius "Rube" Goldberg (July 4, 1883 â€" December 7, 1970) was an American cartoonist, sculptor, author, engineer and inventor.Similar to Heath Robinson devices in the UK, he is best known for a series of popular cartoons depicting complex gadgets that perform simple tasks in indirect, convoluted ways. Goldberg received many honors in his lifetime, including a Pulitzer Prize for his political cartooning in 1948 and the Banshees' Silver Lady Award 1959. Goldberg was a founding member and the first president of the National Cartoonists Society,[2] and he is the namesake of the Reuben Award, which the organization awards to the Cartoonist of the Year. He is the inspiration for various international competitions, known as Rube Goldberg Machine Contests, which challenge participants to make a complex machine to perform a simple task.
Louis J. Dianni, LLC
Feb. 17, 2014
WWII Roll Your Sleeves New York, Rube Goldberg
Est: $50 - $100
Artist: Rube Goldberg Artist Dates: 1883-1970 Signed Within Plate: Yes Date of Work: c. 1938-45? Description: Poster states "Roll up your sleeves, New York!" and "Volunteer, enroll at your local C.D.V.O." Lida Orzeck came across more than 750 vintage war posters from World War I and World War II in her familyâ€™s home basement that her father, David Orzeck, a Brooklyn doctor, had meticulously collected. Discovered in 1970, the posters â€" of which few pristine prints remain with the exception of the National Archives and the Library of Congress â€" were in mint condition, neatly catalogued and folded in brown wrapping paper from grocery stores. Size: 17"L x 22"H Weight: < 1 ounce Provenance: Dr. David Orzeck Condition: Poster has original fold marks and has not been exposed to sunlight, thus preserving the vibrant colors. Recently backed with archival paper (reversible). Artist Biography: Reuben Garrett Lucius "Rube" Goldberg (July 4, 1883 â€" December 7, 1970) was an American cartoonist, sculptor, author, engineer and inventor.Similar to Heath Robinson devices in the UK, he is best known for a series of popular cartoons depicting complex gadgets that perform simple tasks in indirect, convoluted ways. Goldberg received many honors in his lifetime, including a Pulitzer Prize for his political cartooning in 1948 and the Banshees' Silver Lady Award 1959. Goldberg was a founding member and the first president of the National Cartoonists Society,[2] and he is the namesake of the Reuben Award, which the organization awards to the Cartoonist of the Year. He is the inspiration for various international competitions, known as Rube Goldberg Machine Contests, which challenge participants to make a complex machine to perform a simple task. Meta: Poster, WWI, WWII, Military, Militaria, Army, Navy, Marines, AirForce, Propaganda.
Louis J. Dianni, LLC
Feb. 17, 2014
WWII Roll Your Sleeves New York, Rube Goldberg
Est: $50 - $100
Artist: Rube Goldberg Artist Dates: 1883 - 1970 Signed Within Plate: Yes Date of Work: 1939 - 1945 Description: Poster depicts Benjamin Franklin and reads "Roll Up Your Sleeves, New York Volunteer Enroll At Your Local CDVO Contributed by New Era Lithograph Company New York, New York."This collection is from Dr. David Orzeck by descent to his daughter Lida Orzeck and the entire collection is offered without reserve. Lida Orzeck came across more than 750 vintage war posters from World War I and World War II in her familyâ€™s home basement that her father, David Orzeck, a Brooklyn doctor, had meticulously collected. Discovered in 1970, the posters â€" of which few pristine prints remain with the exception of the National Archives and the Library of Congress â€" were in mint condition, neatly catalogued and folded in brown wrapping paper from grocery stores. Size: Framed: 24.5"H x 19" W x 1"D Weight: 5 pounds Provenance: Dr. David Orzeck Condition: Framed. Poster has original fold marks and has not been exposed to sunlight, thus preserving the vibrant colors. Artist Biography: Rube Goldberg, was born in San Francisco, California in 1883. He became a Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoonist, sculptor, and author. His drawings of absurdly-connected machines accomplishing by extremely complex, roundabout means what seemingly could be done simply has meant that his name RUBE GOLDBERG has become associated with any convoluted solution to perform a simple task. His father, a practical man, insisted he go to college to become an engineer. After graduating from the University of California, Rube went to work as an engineer with the City of San Francisco Water and Sewers Department. He soon got a job as an office boy in the sports department of a San Francisco newspaper. He kept submitting drawings and cartoons to his editor, and finally was published. An outstanding success, he soon moved from San Francisco to New York drawing daily cartoons for the "Evening Mail." Through his "inventions", Rube Goldberg discovered harder ways to achieve easy results. His cartoons compressed time and were as he said, "symbols of man's capacity for exerting maximum effort to accomplish minimal results." Rube believed that there are two ways to do things, the simple and the hard way, and that a surprisingly number of people preferred doing things the hard way. Rube Goldberg's work gave priority to simple human needs and treasured basic human values. He was sometimes skeptical about advanced technology and big science, which contributed to making his own mechanical inventions primitive and full of human, plant and animal parts. While most machines work to make difficult tasks simple, his inventions made simple tasks amazingly complex. Dozens of arms, wheels, gears, handles, cups, and rods were put in motion: by balls, canary cages, pails, boots, bathtubs, paddles and live animals for the simple tasks of squeezing an orange for juice, or closing a window if it should start to rain before one gets home. Rube's inventions are a unique commentary on life's complexities. They provide a humorous diversion into the absurd that lampoons the "wonders of technology." Rube's hilarious send ups of man's ingenuity strike a deep and lasting chord with today's audience caught in a high-tech revolution but seeking simplicity. Meta: Poster, WWI, WWII, Military, Militaria, Army, Navy, Marines, AirForce, Propaganda.
Louis J. Dianni, LLC
Jan. 23, 2014
RUBE GOLDBERG. Group of three Cold-War era political cartoons.
Est: $400 - $600
RUBE GOLDBERG. Group of three Cold-War era political cartoons. My, How He's Grown * Greatest Air Force * Losing His Roof. Pen and ink on paper. Pen and ink on paper. 470x356 mm; 18 1/4x14 inches. Signed and with penciled editorial and printer's marks, lower margins.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jan. 23, 2014
RUBE GOLDBERG. Group of three Cold War-era political cartoons.
Est: $400 - $600
RUBE GOLDBERG. Group of three Cold War-era political cartoons. They're Not So Particular * The Great British-Soviet Get-Together Act * Sole Power to Declare War. Pen and ink on paper. 470x356 mm; 18 1/4x14 inches. Signed and with penciled editorial and printer's marks, lower margins.
Swann Auction Galleries