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MARILYN, INK. – The Blonde & The Blotters Mon, Nov 23, 2015 by Sleuth Ink blotters were the business cards of their day—highly absorbent paper used to soak up the excess from fountain pens so popular following World War II rationing, but which virtually disappeared with the invention of the ballpoint (popularized by Parker Pens as ‘The Jotter’—derived from blotter—in 1954). “Today,” according an eBay expert in the field, “these vintage blotters, made in the 1930s and 1940s, are very highly prized and sought-after collectibles.” Especially if the model for their artwork was a pre-discovery MARILYN MONROE! The Celebrity Sleuth Collection comprises 14 such vintage beauties—which she posed for acclaimed artist Earl Moran from 1946-48. The first session took place on March 8, 1946…when the 19-year-old aspiring actress signed the model release as ‘Norma Jeane Dougherty’… …and her face was so form•idable that she graced scores of blotters over the next few years—so much so that the unknown was the sole stunner shown in this anonymous two-page spread from 1950 unearthed by Sleuth! Almost always suggestive , with nursery rhymes like: “Little Boy Blue, Come Blow Your Horn” and “Peter Peter, Pumpkin Eater” {Sleuth managed to find the original pose that the artist chose}… …the blotters in the Collection advertised equally evocative “firms” like lumber dealers, drinking fountain distributors, foam rubber cushions and pads { pictured in the listing for Lot 20 } and, of course, machine tools . Not surprising, but what’s astonishing is that—even though nude art could never have been used in the late Forties—young Marilyn was clearly comfortable with posing TOPLESS for the artist… …to then cover with clothes for public display! And even when the sexy starlet tried to cover up, she couldn’t help a “ nip slip ” that slipped by the censors. No wonder the uninhibited blonde inspired future superstar Madonna to recreate one of Monroe’s many poses for Moran, which she signed for our Lot 75. As a leading Canadian collector concluded: “These vintage ink blotters are highly collectible and becoming more rare, as many collectors are hanging on to them and not letting them go.” Go to http://www.regencystamps.com/MARILYN_MONROE_1940s_50s_EARL_MORAN_ADVERTISING_IN-LOT346125.aspx before they’re gone!

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MARILYN, INK. – The Blonde & The Blotters