1910 Rudyard Kipling "IF" Poem by Buzza

[andrewrichard5]

I recently acquired a framed poem by Rudyard Kipling, "IF".  It looks like it is partially gold embossed with the illustrator being Lee Mero.  At the bottom of the poem part it says "Copyright 1910 by Rudyard Kipling, Doubleday, Page & Company, Publishers"  On the right below the poem it says "All Rights Reserved, Distributed by the Buzza Co., Minneapolis.  Any more information would be greatly appreciated. More info on Lee Mero the illustrator and the actual piece itself. Also if you could tell me the value of it I would appreciate that. I probably won't sell, but am curious just the same.  The background with the gold embossing and the castle, knights, etc is just amazing and I haven't been able to find any other photos of this.  If someone could give me more information on how many of these were made, etc I would also appreciate it. Also, do you think this is the original frame? Any info would be great. I found this one little bit of information, but that is it.  http://www.justanswer.com/antiques/6q4ds-original-old-frame-frame-writing-copyright-1910.html

[andrewrichard5]

I am thinking it is the original frame since the hanger piece says "BUZZA" on it.

[mart]

http://www.etsy.com/listing/109638534/vintage-1910-rudyard-kipling-if-poem

Same poem,,different illustration !! These type art pieces were pretty common early 1900`s and were used the same as a painting,,just as artwork for the home !! Many couldn`t afford a painting on canvas but these were inexpensive !!  Value somewhere in the $25. to $30. range !! Let me see what I can find on the illustrator !!

[mart]

http://morrisoncountyhistory.org/history/?page_id=380

Here is a bit of history on Lee Mero !! Kind of interesting !!

[andrewrichard5]

Thank you so much for the info. That is all quite helpful.  I haven't been able to find any other pictures of the piece that I have and the one that I have is certainly my favorite of all of the ones that I have seen. It seems to be the one with the most intricate artwork.   If anybody has any other information that would be great also.  I actually bought this at a Goodwill earlier today for $1.97.  I don't usually look at the artwork, but did for some reason and had to buy it since I am a big Kipling fan.  It is currently hanging on my wall.  Any tips on keeping it in great condition and preserving it?

[mart]

I would take it to a frame shop and have acid free backing put behind it and spacers between the glass and the print,,and new dust cover/clean the glass !! Might cost you $10. or you can buy the materials and DIY it !! Most frame shops will sell you the materials and its easy to do !! 

[ghopper1924]

From "The golden age of illustration."  Beautiful!