Home Craftsman Magazine, February 1959 Issue
Printed periodical (Magazine); paper-based commercial print • Publisher: Home Craftsman Publishing Corp. Photography and graphic design is likely uncredited staff work.
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modernist commercial design; 1950s Americana / Do-It-Yourself (DIY) aesthetic.
Medium & Technique
Four-color process lithography (CMYK) on glossy coated paper (cover) and newsprint/uncoated paper (interior). Standard industrial binding (stapled/saddle-stitched).
Creation Period
February 1959
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8.5 x 11 inches; vertical portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A man in a checkered work shirt posing beside a multi-panel wooden folding screen with botanical leaf motifs. The cover features bold sans-serif typography. Narrative content focuses on mid-century domesticity and woodworking.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Fair; visible edge wear, shelf friction on the spine, and minor creasing/foxing consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $35.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$10.00 - $25.00 USD
Provenance History
Mass-produced consumer item; typically acquired via subscription or newsstand. Previous ownership appears to be a private home collection.
Art Historical Significance
A primary source for mid-century social history. It documents the post-WWII rise of the DIY movement, suburban leisure activities, and the democratization of home design through accessible instructional media.
Notable Features
Features specific period projects like 'TV Turntable and Phono Cabinet,' highlighting the integration of then-new electronics into traditional woodworking.
Condition Issues
Visible corner blunting, yellowing of paper due to acid content, minor scuffing on the cover image, and slight spine roll.
Conservation Recommendations
Store in an acid-free archival polyethylene sleeve with an acid-free backing board. Keep in a cool, dry environment away from UV light to prevent further fading and paper brittleness.