I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere

One Sherlockian’s Christmas Card Tradition

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">“we are getting some cards” [SHOS]</span></h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImrMW3AXLYckXJ_o8pt1oFBa0Z6jmGkxPvDx9ED5-2o0Mhy4K1Vy4TFBVlvl5xTiZieSV8CB-ZMAMA2kRElNe0jxX6iWdYilr-gyy4HowMaIuTvQnV8DfBIUcQ628MYJ7sq3tDD45XDuA/s1600/Margolin+Panorama.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImrMW3AXLYckXJ_o8pt1oFBa0Z6jmGkxPvDx9ED5-2o0Mhy4K1Vy4TFBVlvl5xTiZieSV8CB-ZMAMA2kRElNe0jxX6iWdYilr-gyy4HowMaIuTvQnV8DfBIUcQ628MYJ7sq3tDD45XDuA/s640/Margolin+Panorama.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Regardless of how one celebrates Christmas, it undoubtedly includes some type of tradition. One of the traditions that we enjoy is sending and receiving Christmas cards to and from fellow Sherlockians.<br />
<br />
One of those is a Jerry Margolin, BSI (“Hilton Cubitt”), who made an appearance in <a href="http://ihose.co/ihose16" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the first Collectors’ Corner on Episode 16</a> of the I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere podcast. If you listened, you may recall that Jerry is the leading art collector in the Sherlockians world, and he delights in sharing his collection with others. [If you haven’t listened yet, <a href="http://ihose.co/ihose16" target="_blank">now is a great time</a>.] But an audio show can only do so much to bring the wonders of an art collection to you, so we’ve got something else.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="100" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/1114989/height/100/width/600/theme/custom/autoplay/no/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/backward/no-cache/true/render-playlist/no/custom-color/87A93A/" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe><br /></div>
<br />
As his collection began to grow some 40 years ago, Jerry started his own tradition by taking his artwork and turning it into cards for the holiday. We’re fortunate to have been on his “nice” list for a number of years, and we decided to ask Jerry about the story behind the cards - and to share the cards to date with you.<br />
<br />
<h4>
I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere: When did you first start this tradition? What made you decide to do it?</h4>
<b>JM:</b> As to the question about how this card madness got started, it really was quite innocent. I moved to Oregon in 1976, and had been to two BSI dinners, while still living in NY. I had met a few Sherlockians at the dinner, but I was 20 something and new to it all, having only started collecting a couple of years before.<br />
<br />
I had started corresponding with some people such as John Bennett Shaw, also, a new friend, Andrew Peck and some others when it finally arrived at the holiday season. I received a couple of greeting cards with a Sherlockian theme and thought that was really fun. Fortunately for me, my upstairs neighbor was a graphic artist, so I asked her if she would do a quick drawing of Holmes to use as a card illustration? She did and then I had to find a printer to make the cards. I had printed up way too many at the time, maybe 80? I was optimistic about all the people I would meet and get to know in the Sherlockian world, what did I know at the time?<br />
<br />
In any case, I got addresses for as many people as I could and hand wrote out each card and happily mailed them off. Amazingly, I started to get many responses and found that others were doing this also and I accumulated quite a stack of incoming cards. This encouraged me to do another for the next year and so on. I had no idea that it would take on a life of its own and become so looked forward to by so many people in the coming years. I started dating the cards in 1980.<br />
<br />
<h4>
IHOSE: How many cards do you send out? Has that list grown over time?</h4>
<b>JM:</b> Well, as I stated in the first answer, I just threw out a number to the printer and the card had no limitation printed on it, not even a date. So the next year having received a goodly number of cards, I decided on 50 and figured I would have leftovers to send if I got a card from someone I didn’t really know. As the years went on and I became better known in the Sherlockian world, I began to correspond with more Sherlockians around the U.S. and the world. I developed a list of “regulars” and brought the list to a firm 65.<br />
<br />
From time to time over the years, the list has grown and shrunk sometimes unfortunately to the loss of friends who passed beyond the Reichenbach. As time went on I added a few here or there and occasionally people heard about the cards. Some asked if they could be added. I do about 56 cards now, but always have a few extra just in case. I do put the limitation on the card.<br />
<br />
<h4>
IHOSE: You have over 2,500 pieces of Sherlockian art in your collection. How do you go about deciding which to select for a card each year?</h4>
<b>JM:</b> Whenever I get a new piece of art, I look at it to determine if it might make a good card and be a piece that will interest the people who receive them. There is no real rhyme or reason to it. I wish I could say I use some form of Sherlockian deductive reasoning to make my choices, but no, I just decide on the fly. In iPhoto, on my computer, I do have about 15 pieces set up to be used for the next many years and have already picked the card for next year; no I won’t tell you which one.<br />
<br />
I am always thrilled by the responses I get when the cards begin to arrive at their destinations. A lot of people have been kind enough to write me and tell me what they like about the art and how fun it is to receive it. It makes it worthwhile. As I said earlier, it has taken on a life of its own and the cards seem to be much sought after which thrills me to no end. I always send them out the day after Thanksgiving, and they have now come to signal the beginning of the Sherlockian season. One or two people over the years have tried to beat me to being the first card, though I don’t think anyone ever has, though I guess I shouldn’t say that. Someone will send one out after the 4th of July.<br />
<br />
<h4>
IHOSE: Of the cards you've sent out, which are your personal favorites? Why?</h4>
<b>JM:</b> Wow, that is a tough question, I love my art collection and I do have favorites that are obvious such as the Paget and Steele originals, also the original from Jimmy Stewart, Gahan Wilson and John Romita Sr. who drew Spiderman, for me, as Holmes. Those would be in my top certainly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7yQcXDzCtDGDuoUGquuViWL5iQO_XSGu1AXbP70nr7YAday7YNfdC4XBJJZbgNeD82Z7gAXEaWV2gd9KobLMyAjOpcllelAhvVBl_HVjU9hnqw_touK5Qc3j0orLwJFftB2IPAt42K_l/s1600/IMG_0125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7yQcXDzCtDGDuoUGquuViWL5iQO_XSGu1AXbP70nr7YAday7YNfdC4XBJJZbgNeD82Z7gAXEaWV2gd9KobLMyAjOpcllelAhvVBl_HVjU9hnqw_touK5Qc3j0orLwJFftB2IPAt42K_l/s200/IMG_0125.jpg" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJB_IUTbgfVyhN7CzjK7yir0_Lw1pDXkZvDiOLhJE6UqFf9tasFaJGYNE7aqnH9GgX1_Z5aSzUyLwH77Exj6s_tjwtgoVDgyozfXrw0WyS8SYSCf3FSVz7soswXhe0AkcHZwHwmgerrbfc/s1600/IMG_0138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJB_IUTbgfVyhN7CzjK7yir0_Lw1pDXkZvDiOLhJE6UqFf9tasFaJGYNE7aqnH9GgX1_Z5aSzUyLwH77Exj6s_tjwtgoVDgyozfXrw0WyS8SYSCf3FSVz7soswXhe0AkcHZwHwmgerrbfc/s200/IMG_0138.jpg" width="141" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdITSRGvr2ocp3Dg3XOUGdlM2keYQ6FIWzTSYeRrwjEEoyDkfRWQmLY-WJINjRWNhbZkNmLAY_iugy1LBHI_HnivlEEcx7kOjheLcGZwP6WtV9ZJggL3eASvA-96ZOLVv-2SpgpjcszSP/s1600/IMG_0114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdITSRGvr2ocp3Dg3XOUGdlM2keYQ6FIWzTSYeRrwjEEoyDkfRWQmLY-WJINjRWNhbZkNmLAY_iugy1LBHI_HnivlEEcx7kOjheLcGZwP6WtV9ZJggL3eASvA-96ZOLVv-2SpgpjcszSP/s200/IMG_0114.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One of my all time favorites was the Will Elder (MAD Magazine artist) who was a close friend for almost 40 years. It was Holmes and Watson running down a railroad track saying “At last Watson, we’re on the right track!!“ It is a favorite because it was the only year in which I issued a very limited (about 12) extra cards that inside contained a color piece of art by Will of his character “Little Annie Fannie” wearing nothing but a deerstalker! I kept one and sent the rest to a very select group of people. I got some interesting responses to it, some not so great, but most enjoyed it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fKueyrdNITnx1tWapIOy6HSzrrLnehtVo7WfCs5lcBM4STFoL0k72lJMHcQTFtHSPvSo3PW24_2GnnYCotkkh9ft_7sEXlEdIeCIPLJ0EXYMngnxmQAE_eS5VrgB4ivtqa3I0_AhG6F4/s1600/IMG_0116+SFW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fKueyrdNITnx1tWapIOy6HSzrrLnehtVo7WfCs5lcBM4STFoL0k72lJMHcQTFtHSPvSo3PW24_2GnnYCotkkh9ft_7sEXlEdIeCIPLJ0EXYMngnxmQAE_eS5VrgB4ivtqa3I0_AhG6F4/s320/IMG_0116+SFW.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Lastly, the Paget and Steele art since they are the crown jewels of the collection and pieces; to this day, I am always stunned that I own them. They were not in my thought process way back when that they would ever grace my walls. I am glad I could share them with my friends in the Sherlockian world.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Cards</h3>
The following is a complete set of Sherlockian holiday cards from Jerry Margolin. Jerry has provided a description for each one in his own words. If some of the images are out of focus, it's because some are not scans but rather photos taken of the artwork as it hangs on the wall.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySqHoGKOPnZovhCzRiKhdpbEJF_HwGOQ6ogN49JZ5eW09hM3i3jKvZDrxqNLrer4wHq2CPnhrzfeIR3AYkYeqNiwJkbkO6Ev1AWvmCi6Phuce5TbMWPeiCsmUi5nDP2I6PFydH5-lKUzA/s1600/IMG_00998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySqHoGKOPnZovhCzRiKhdpbEJF_HwGOQ6ogN49JZ5eW09hM3i3jKvZDrxqNLrer4wHq2CPnhrzfeIR3AYkYeqNiwJkbkO6Ev1AWvmCi6Phuce5TbMWPeiCsmUi5nDP2I6PFydH5-lKUzA/s640/IMG_00998.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Holmes by fireplace by Judy Aiello. No date, but issued 1977 with no limitation. Drawn for me. My first card.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMdhC4d6ZkRNhIj8HpEKGZZBluDoSQ11blTARtrRkh_1S3i0Ezm8e_YXhNH5m_gaf_u_keUT0MHQ9_ZfNdTEIcW8nYdwaoI5QN0sURwSIgdx6ZJ4xlN7Q8MEpLJiec1EjMLnIlfi5OF7Y/s1600/IMG_0099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Paul Nizza Sherlock Holmes" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMdhC4d6ZkRNhIj8HpEKGZZBluDoSQ11blTARtrRkh_1S3i0Ezm8e_YXhNH5m_gaf_u_keUT0MHQ9_ZfNdTEIcW8nYdwaoI5QN0sURwSIgdx6ZJ4xlN7Q8MEpLJiec1EjMLnIlfi5OF7Y/s640/IMG_0099.jpg" title="Paul Nizza - Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Puce Map Tracks" width="440" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">Illustration
published in “The Adventure Of the 5 Puce Map tacks” by Paul Nizza (real name Justin
Sutherland). Obtained from the author after being told that he never sells his
art, but since he had given a piece to a friend, would sell me one piece. No
date printed, but limitation of 50.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdDDq9FVLxsZI88OCi-_1OKuNMvLLXaShvzZRgBos89s82R8lYJOIx5NXMkTUd7nvWFXGwMGDLXWtfZCuJUH12vAZfpY4UW7Yi1AUJGsovhHSCEUYZLw3wFfKms2ulB_FSHLNAymj36Rq/s1600/IMG_0100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jerry Margolin with Sherlock Holmes, as drawn by Carl Bennett" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdDDq9FVLxsZI88OCi-_1OKuNMvLLXaShvzZRgBos89s82R8lYJOIx5NXMkTUd7nvWFXGwMGDLXWtfZCuJUH12vAZfpY4UW7Yi1AUJGsovhHSCEUYZLw3wFfKms2ulB_FSHLNAymj36Rq/s640/IMG_0100.jpg" title="Holmes and Margolin by Carl Bennett" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">“Holmes
& Margolin” by Carl Bennett. Carl is a longtime friend and a graphic artist
now living in Seattle. My wife, Judy (St. Judy!) has this drawn for me by Carl
as a birthday gift in 1978. It is all done in Pointillism style. Limited to
60.  No date printed.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqfAnda7xAM5SP_g58lR_UN717ddW8ULRKkVdJlFhGBMEvBjy79O3vlOS14qCF04C9Z5pupIYdvZY1ahx_eFPuDYvikiBnBDQcTKZ9RHEn2rAyLN3LqVz9FFm90CizIbL6x-Q6N8vA6i-/s1600/IMG_0104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gahan Wilson - Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson for Jerry Margolin" border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqfAnda7xAM5SP_g58lR_UN717ddW8ULRKkVdJlFhGBMEvBjy79O3vlOS14qCF04C9Z5pupIYdvZY1ahx_eFPuDYvikiBnBDQcTKZ9RHEn2rAyLN3LqVz9FFm90CizIbL6x-Q6N8vA6i-/s640/IMG_0104.jpg" title="Holmes and Watson - Gahan Wilson" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Holmes and Watson with Holmes examining a present drawn for me by my longtime friend Gahan Wilson. There is no stated date and no limitation, but probably about 60 cards were sent in 1979. This was the first of about 20 originals obtained from Gahan in the 40 years I have known him.<br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHyLC6tv6UITHDFiCnbaByEAfAItVMJ_15r5LH8_hFeKN9jT-nVkt5GSze8YvYruxAdvMTbtWdAU-KhVSOoSf4CTTPrKRmasKVH4VCawCln_D_8acpx08BgLHvKnicnM-nm6wIf3gngFw/s1600/IMG_0102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Norm Schatell EMPT " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHyLC6tv6UITHDFiCnbaByEAfAItVMJ_15r5LH8_hFeKN9jT-nVkt5GSze8YvYruxAdvMTbtWdAU-KhVSOoSf4CTTPrKRmasKVH4VCawCln_D_8acpx08BgLHvKnicnM-nm6wIf3gngFw/s640/IMG_0102.jpg" title="Norm Schatell greeting card" width="480" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHyLC6tv6UITHDFiCnbaByEAfAItVMJ_15r5LH8_hFeKN9jT-nVkt5GSze8YvYruxAdvMTbtWdAU-KhVSOoSf4CTTPrKRmasKVH4VCawCln_D_8acpx08BgLHvKnicnM-nm6wIf3gngFw/s1600/IMG_0102.jpg"></a><br />Cartoon by the Sherlockian <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2015/05/the-lighter-side-of-sherlock-holmes.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Norman Schatell</a>, BSI ("Johnathan Small"). Published from a series of greeting cards created by Schatell. The caption is “Watson, will you look at that idiot Mrs. Hudson?” Holmes and Watson looking at Mrs. Hudson dusting the bust of Holmes as Col. Moran looks to shoot it. Dated 1980. Limited to 60.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqfAnda7xAM5SP_g58lR_UN717ddW8ULRKkVdJlFhGBMEvBjy79O3vlOS14qCF04C9Z5pupIYdvZY1ahx_eFPuDYvikiBnBDQcTKZ9RHEn2rAyLN3LqVz9FFm90CizIbL6x-Q6N8vA6i-/s1600/IMG_0104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8qJMedLKDezb9CNwC5sEylpAlGzbYA6z5K5zRrIhttGMB72gpvJeDbhftJId-_bU1JBbYcaaeRCamQ6dHGhi33ZQz6cNVaYJx7Es9EzgHxcvnzSTm7n1hboqt7iXoM_FAwoiJLoJkWoj/s1600/IMG_0106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sherlock Holmes reads The Maltese Falcon" border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8qJMedLKDezb9CNwC5sEylpAlGzbYA6z5K5zRrIhttGMB72gpvJeDbhftJId-_bU1JBbYcaaeRCamQ6dHGhi33ZQz6cNVaYJx7Es9EzgHxcvnzSTm7n1hboqt7iXoM_FAwoiJLoJkWoj/s640/IMG_0106.jpg" title="Sherlock Holmes and the Maltese Falcon by Hank Hinton" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Holmes looking at an eagle while reading the “Maltese Falcon” by artist Hank Hinton. Dated 1981. Limit of 60. A published newspaper cartoon.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLkeJju8PTZav-6LD7SkFNXkP_qKd5SAxqBvJvhDqxDYBXRn27Cq_vI-5nvjD0nYHFWE_czObiAGCGA-1qxkJ8-KKp01l8L_XJpQEXtfF-YNT9286aekixZCjujYsIJKFZ7ljWCfnJFkA/s1600/IMG_0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Happy birthday, Sherlock Holmes by Jim Hummel" border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLkeJju8PTZav-6LD7SkFNXkP_qKd5SAxqBvJvhDqxDYBXRn27Cq_vI-5nvjD0nYHFWE_czObiAGCGA-1qxkJ8-KKp01l8L_XJpQEXtfF-YNT9286aekixZCjujYsIJKFZ7ljWCfnJFkA/s640/IMG_0107.jpg" title="Jim Hummel - Sherlock Holmes's birthday" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Published newspaper cartoon by Jim Hummel. Artist inscribed it to me. Holmes with a birthday cake sipping wine and reading newspaper. Hummel sent this to me as a gift. Dated 1982. Limit of 60.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGy9bKe1Tq6RzCYTVO0cvWsqmIhEJWmm-ecAvtufOK8nvKATkoSlEwKx_g8NNcLntm5rsWTg44yM3Y9gH8op5_S6wvKzKMqd1FIX-ak4KpdW28IS8UbNYkx8chfY9QertSWaVfBeNkTRw/s1600/IMG_0108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Original Bugs Bunny Sherlock Holmes comic" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGy9bKe1Tq6RzCYTVO0cvWsqmIhEJWmm-ecAvtufOK8nvKATkoSlEwKx_g8NNcLntm5rsWTg44yM3Y9gH8op5_S6wvKzKMqd1FIX-ak4KpdW28IS8UbNYkx8chfY9QertSWaVfBeNkTRw/s640/IMG_0108.jpg" title="Bugs Bunny as Sherlock Holmes" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Original Bugs Bunny comic page from Looney Tunes comic #63 Jan. 1947. Dated 1983. Limit of 60.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_fIKostlNNCIKZ_KRL4HIA7TL-imsa9lZYy0w0Qu7QXeFoA-ivZ2hZXY3ephjwKKinsmW9p4qYWC9bThhtLgFA21yVrUCIRSQy35WxsPPdPhBgww7GFaJM30urHNstZzby3-PrnU44dB/s1600/IMG_0109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bullwinkle as Sherlock Holmes by Bill Hurtz" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_fIKostlNNCIKZ_KRL4HIA7TL-imsa9lZYy0w0Qu7QXeFoA-ivZ2hZXY3ephjwKKinsmW9p4qYWC9bThhtLgFA21yVrUCIRSQy35WxsPPdPhBgww7GFaJM30urHNstZzby3-PrnU44dB/s640/IMG_0109.jpg" title="Rocky and Bullwinkle Sherlock Holmes" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">“Rocky and Bullwinkle” drawn for me by Bill Hurtz one of the original animators and director of the “Rocky & Bullwinkle” show. It was obtained for me by a friend who was a comic art agent for many artists and illustrators. Dated 1984. Limit of 60 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQD8QHRo_OvLugvvni0aqb1ayjAyeqdr-z4RipduCpCA4PxidR4dBKqlRI78W_pbP48OS-gxCKXyXAK52AAQO2g2c4AHnQtoMIqix0KT9-k5NlYD10dRilXyvx-2Cj1OiaDGtlk6L9ZmLv/s1600/IMG_0110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Frederic Dorr Steele - "Thor Bridge" for Limited Editions Club set" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQD8QHRo_OvLugvvni0aqb1ayjAyeqdr-z4RipduCpCA4PxidR4dBKqlRI78W_pbP48OS-gxCKXyXAK52AAQO2g2c4AHnQtoMIqix0KT9-k5NlYD10dRilXyvx-2Cj1OiaDGtlk6L9ZmLv/s640/IMG_0110.jpg" title="J. Neil Gibson and Sherlock Holmes - "Thor Bridge" illustration by Frederic Dorr Steele" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Frederic Dorr Steele. Holmes and J. Neil Gibson, the Gold King. Drawn by Steele for the Limited Editions Club set 1944 from the story “The Problem of the Thor Bridge”. This was the first of five Steele originals I owned at one time. It was obtained from a great rare bookseller. Dated 1985. Limit of 60.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghx0zWsll0tNFun3OhoK_gp9UyLwxLugY_T5dGusynktfhfwuxn7ikdYzkj5tbw5KaupXqNH-gp7HZ5haWsmNgsSUpguiGPS2sBYfC4MP1wX5O-PO2-4jN8SwwZJyC2Kv5XQZX7P56UP3W/s1600/IMG_0111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Batman and Joker by Luke McDonnel for Jerry Margolin" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghx0zWsll0tNFun3OhoK_gp9UyLwxLugY_T5dGusynktfhfwuxn7ikdYzkj5tbw5KaupXqNH-gp7HZ5haWsmNgsSUpguiGPS2sBYfC4MP1wX5O-PO2-4jN8SwwZJyC2Kv5XQZX7P56UP3W/s640/IMG_0111.jpg" title="Batman and the Joker by Luke McDonnel" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Batman and the Joker drawn for me at a comic convention by DC Comics artist Luke McDonnel. This card was dedicated to a friend and Sherlockian Michael Murphy, BSI ("The Noble Bachelor") upon his passing that year. Dated 1986. No limitation, but probably 60.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1b3jK0Z1cYxc0uBG1mulO3qNyxH7ZPhF54DwOmZ-CnpHCpHm6Mv-s-VpEOORl_LtiBS5FPka_BCZh3JIsP7s21yt5mFm_inzM7u0Sfdr2s2E2B4Vpcup_OUrJfO2t-7edOJGILhutVoqw/s1600/IMG_0112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Henry Lauritzen's three-pipe problem" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1b3jK0Z1cYxc0uBG1mulO3qNyxH7ZPhF54DwOmZ-CnpHCpHm6Mv-s-VpEOORl_LtiBS5FPka_BCZh3JIsP7s21yt5mFm_inzM7u0Sfdr2s2E2B4Vpcup_OUrJfO2t-7edOJGILhutVoqw/s640/IMG_0112.jpg" title="A three-pipe problem by Henry Lauritzen" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Holmes with 3 pipes. Drawn for me by the great Henry Lauritzen, BSI ("The Royal Family of Scandinavia") who was a longtime friend. Inscribed to me by the artist.  Dated 1987. Limit of 65.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4bknlD4uCuF_zYwKmWjywvj-xCVHdaGyVbQq7FeOHsKeWzG3x9qLT9BY2D3GAgzyufMOK_G18d9cV1qeQRT_yHHnhijZhyb9HhL7oXBuH_4n6eSAP7q6Ehq6L4cKys4w9MvF0HDnubmI/s1600/IMG_0114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Spiderman Sherlock Holmes " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4bknlD4uCuF_zYwKmWjywvj-xCVHdaGyVbQq7FeOHsKeWzG3x9qLT9BY2D3GAgzyufMOK_G18d9cV1qeQRT_yHHnhijZhyb9HhL7oXBuH_4n6eSAP7q6Ehq6L4cKys4w9MvF0HDnubmI/s640/IMG_0114.jpg" title="Spiderman in a deerstalker by John Romita, Sr." width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">"Spiderman.” Artist is John Romita, Sr., one of the creators of Spiderman. This card has several significant points to it. It was my first color card and in those days before iPhoto, I had 65 photo prints made and hand glued each to the face of the card. It was also used as a dedication to two of the greatest Sherlockians, <a href="http://ihose.co/ihose75" target="_blank">J. Bliss Austin</a>, BSI ("The Engineer's Thumb") and Marvin Epstein, BSI ("Count Negretto Sylvius") upon their passing. Dated 1988. Limit of 65 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcMSwzsukL0PFQjV1adC_9tm9ATn_yb4tp1g8Co4WWg_BbeqdPG_NtI0umWduD74Z-DuJS6ubKS6ID0ZblnlPnD5y0ZqTBrQiGoHAM264PEykhWz67uW9lO0S0qk3j5C1lD1Ci3UWjwsz/s1600/IMG_0115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Holmes and Watson by Will Elder" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcMSwzsukL0PFQjV1adC_9tm9ATn_yb4tp1g8Co4WWg_BbeqdPG_NtI0umWduD74Z-DuJS6ubKS6ID0ZblnlPnD5y0ZqTBrQiGoHAM264PEykhWz67uW9lO0S0qk3j5C1lD1Ci3UWjwsz/s640/IMG_0115.jpg" title="Will Elder - Holmes and Watson on the right track" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">“At Last Watson, We’re On the Right Track!” Drawn for me by MAD artist and close friend of 40 plus years Will Elder. Again, done in color as a photo print pasted down to card by hand. Will drew it for me in 1977. Card sent in 1989. Limited to 70.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/photos/gKnmqXevhDmehN2BA" target="_blank"><img alt="NSFW version of Little Annie Fannie" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_Pyd5U5nkZ2wwBxpqujz_d__ikSOWu84QVZulO6tfxokoeVEceyhdWMovghA7WE-BvZ0VMFR2mdOunRD7fwoUFJerlNQXKPT2J7qF3VoXJZZ00PrUw8ibvb5_Z2Z6lgY265XB4lfsGq4/s640/IMG_0116+SFW.jpg" title="Little Annie Fannie Sherlock - SFW version" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">I also issued a separate very limited edition of this card which contained another Elder drawing of “Little Annie Fannie” wearing only a deerstalker hat! Limitation says 15 cards, but I tend to think it was only 12. Most enjoyed the little surprise extra card, but a few did not. Only those who received this card would own a complete set of my cards. [<b>Editor's note:</b> for the original NSFW version, click the image above or <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/gKnmqXevhDmehN2BA" target="_blank">here</a>.]</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfThGQBhm_28ahgThyphenhyphenRkgf6MWZ0EXgpoBOmc3ZGIRVY3YhbijqoXkbACqYxcwwJ4EJPmhw3TowspST5ngRfzNhaYJeMieJ4nusT1nR8bYuC0SDaaHcjjDZgt20oNBaiAq_J0netvBx4UGV/s1600/IMG_0117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jean-Pierre Cagnat's mysterious Holmes" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfThGQBhm_28ahgThyphenhyphenRkgf6MWZ0EXgpoBOmc3ZGIRVY3YhbijqoXkbACqYxcwwJ4EJPmhw3TowspST5ngRfzNhaYJeMieJ4nusT1nR8bYuC0SDaaHcjjDZgt20oNBaiAq_J0netvBx4UGV/s640/IMG_0117.jpg" title="Holmes by Jean-Pierre Cagnat" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Illustration of a very mysterious looking Holmes drawn for me by noted French artist, illustrator and Sherlockian, J.P. Cagnat, BSI ("The Bank of France"). This year, I used this card as a dedication to Julian Wolff, BSI ("The Red-Headed League") upon his passing. Dated 1990 and limited to 70 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht56xyRJdGLxS7NJek3kkk4CPsWQ3VwK-kgGTehljrjSAhDpYX2UnIv1ZpNtRQ-nE7yW9o1pivYN3cIAoSC6wBJHXG-nfEQqDwCvYzPGxx6Nw-GjWuQ-qs4Lur8nPxQ0qxcdcLwht5sE_a/s1600/IMG_0118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Luther Norris draws Sherlock Holmes" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht56xyRJdGLxS7NJek3kkk4CPsWQ3VwK-kgGTehljrjSAhDpYX2UnIv1ZpNtRQ-nE7yW9o1pivYN3cIAoSC6wBJHXG-nfEQqDwCvYzPGxx6Nw-GjWuQ-qs4Lur8nPxQ0qxcdcLwht5sE_a/s640/IMG_0118.jpg" title="The Problem of the Purple Maculas by Luther Norris" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">This card was published as the frontispiece to “The Problem of the Purple Maculas” published by Luther Norris. It was a gift from Luther to me. Henry Lauritzen drew it in 1964. I used this card as a dedication to Henry on the occasion of his passing. Dated 1991. Limited to 70 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMB6hrmVq5y8vyf3yEbqODj4lLwN3kNp-u4anhTnxVjkHs6kGUJT9DF5p5ex3x9xCrFtIdM0g-bcA70nPp_2LRegKc4tsJH-mbkiKMhrzpQOhfBG6kWxUicYWRqA3m2I2P0tyRc4H9CPI/s1600/IMG_0119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Original Steel of The Musgrave Ritual" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMB6hrmVq5y8vyf3yEbqODj4lLwN3kNp-u4anhTnxVjkHs6kGUJT9DF5p5ex3x9xCrFtIdM0g-bcA70nPp_2LRegKc4tsJH-mbkiKMhrzpQOhfBG6kWxUicYWRqA3m2I2P0tyRc4H9CPI/s640/IMG_0119.jpg" title="Dorr Steele's Holmes for The Musgrave Ritual" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Frederic Dorr Steele drew this as a finished preliminary drawing for “The Musgrave Ritual” in the Limited Editions Club set. There are noted, a few differences between this and the final published piece owned by another great collector and Sherlockian. Steele added and changed a few things before publication. Dated 1992 in a limitation of 75.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__gxkgx0KcffYj_WPF_kFLlq0BmZCJEeVmrPUnxSVf0jsSBjlKReg0NWfKZ_SRLXJc6TkBs_eDX_iObB6ee91mICVcM_UvgzFPx88KoidRi2ngJyWbeikZGyDSzAoMXfI_k_jfGKDqTj6/s1600/IMG_0120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="MAD's Jack Davis draws Sherlock Holmes" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__gxkgx0KcffYj_WPF_kFLlq0BmZCJEeVmrPUnxSVf0jsSBjlKReg0NWfKZ_SRLXJc6TkBs_eDX_iObB6ee91mICVcM_UvgzFPx88KoidRi2ngJyWbeikZGyDSzAoMXfI_k_jfGKDqTj6/s640/IMG_0120.jpg" title="Sherlock Holmes by Jack Davis" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Holmes in a trench coat rather than Inverness. Drawn for me by MAD artist Jack Davis in 1980. Dated 1993. Limited to 75.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZ8V-zXvJyNhREKEiILLoCVd5I_Ez_GKgaO_qKohGU6eMpZJUJuxw_m4Irsnfq5cQpPhAwM5a4RIk0mebkruOGLs369axk8wgGUERlXbcEb1n6Hy2nyjI3G9VU4EjgdfGZn2kS-pJHKvc/s1600/IMG_0121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Archie Holmes and Jughead Watson" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZ8V-zXvJyNhREKEiILLoCVd5I_Ez_GKgaO_qKohGU6eMpZJUJuxw_m4Irsnfq5cQpPhAwM5a4RIk0mebkruOGLs369axk8wgGUERlXbcEb1n6Hy2nyjI3G9VU4EjgdfGZn2kS-pJHKvc/s640/IMG_0121.jpg" title="Archie & Jughead as Holmes & Watson by Stan T." width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Archie and Jughead as Holmes & Watson drawn for me by Stan G. This was an experiment in changing the way I did my cards. I tried it as a postcard style instead of the usual folded card. In my opinion it did not work as well and I never did it again. I used this card as a dedication to a wonderful Sherlockian, Jim Duval, BSI ("The Battered Tin Dispatch-Box") on his passing. Dated 1994 and limited to 75 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWPUD0TZhRlh6kebic82QN4huZ-t2-bUl92_x5vBhzZfZi6YA6Jm-KpGoGXFs0Em49UHnPhxv6eS2trAe4SspMa0dtygc53xQUwGOJu4X2UI3-tpJfkFf-CYCHU7ypHRsF5eYKA8D8fS4/s1600/IMG_0122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Holmes and the 11 Cuff-Buttons" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWPUD0TZhRlh6kebic82QN4huZ-t2-bUl92_x5vBhzZfZi6YA6Jm-KpGoGXFs0Em49UHnPhxv6eS2trAe4SspMa0dtygc53xQUwGOJu4X2UI3-tpJfkFf-CYCHU7ypHRsF5eYKA8D8fS4/s640/IMG_0122.jpg" title="The Adventure of the 11 Cuff-Buttons" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">This piece was published as the dustjacket art to “The Adventure Of the 11 Cuff-Buttons” printed by the Aspen Press. The artist is unknown to me. I acquired it from the owners of the Press. This was a special card for me as it was dedicated to Norman Nolan, BSI ("Godfrey Norton"), who was one of the great collectors of not only Sherlockiana and mystery and detective fiction, but more importantly, my mentor in all things Sherlockian. He taught me about collecting and took me to my first BSI dinner in 1974. I will always be eternally grateful to him for all he did to foster my interest in Holmes and collecting. Dated 1995 and limited to 75.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyFRey1EgWOuk-9tRwPSGL6lRhyio2H-E9oyHq2QcSww43WyblJWdNbpFeIoJgawCgQXCEEt_LMQ8JczBMi86cn5KP2AxDUEh72sre2s4UkdAKASTiHRmICH_DdXES8QP5Yw8sOcCJRsk/s1600/IMG_0123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Old Sherlock Holmes by Barry Nichols" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyFRey1EgWOuk-9tRwPSGL6lRhyio2H-E9oyHq2QcSww43WyblJWdNbpFeIoJgawCgQXCEEt_LMQ8JczBMi86cn5KP2AxDUEh72sre2s4UkdAKASTiHRmICH_DdXES8QP5Yw8sOcCJRsk/s640/IMG_0123.jpg" title="Barry Nichols Sherlock Holmes" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">This piece was published in <i>The Statesman Journal</i>, a Salem, Oregon newspaper. The artist is Barry Nichols. I wrote to Barry and asked him for it. He kindly said yes and it landed in the collection. It not only shows Holmes as an elderly gentleman with “Toby”(?), but there is a smaller portrait of the same man as a young Holmes with dog on the wall behind him. Dated 1996, limited to 75 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiSOWWYAND8WWk7bfCfBIeBP6iRKepj1wNdxPjHXtPL0w7y2uyNAZL2GpTtLT8JWiLVb2iXiXOfKjQf-HGFqcfhBHfqGKx-UwKGs5tCLDYyOnI8iz9ZBf0y4Kfc6RQ5uEZMa7b2lnOxuQ/s1600/IMG_0125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jimmy Stewart's Harvey in a deerstalker" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiSOWWYAND8WWk7bfCfBIeBP6iRKepj1wNdxPjHXtPL0w7y2uyNAZL2GpTtLT8JWiLVb2iXiXOfKjQf-HGFqcfhBHfqGKx-UwKGs5tCLDYyOnI8iz9ZBf0y4Kfc6RQ5uEZMa7b2lnOxuQ/s640/IMG_0125.jpg" title="Harvey with Sherlock Hat - James Stewart" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">This 1997 card is a true highlight of my art collection. It is Harvey the Rabbit, though usually invisible, seen here wearing a deerstalker hat and drawn for me by the great, one and only Jimmy Stewart. I wrote to Mr. Stewart after obtaining his home address and asked for a drawing of “Harvey in a Sherlock hat”. About a week later this arrived. Unfortunately Mr. Stewart passed not too long after I received it. I never fail to smile when I see it on my wall as do those who have seen it in person. Dated 1997, limited to 75 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttY_owm5Lpbdr17j28xnjTs48HeQDN7SMh93AoHQSGlQb51fngoEyBB38P-IDrK78yxUlN965fXjrB_S3asVe8MJWNAx5Rgf-DEH_GWCpuhPT-zpjmaJBw8QwSBqeEjziwG1BrPj6Ap1a/s1600/IMG_0126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Chublock Hooms by Bang" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttY_owm5Lpbdr17j28xnjTs48HeQDN7SMh93AoHQSGlQb51fngoEyBB38P-IDrK78yxUlN965fXjrB_S3asVe8MJWNAx5Rgf-DEH_GWCpuhPT-zpjmaJBw8QwSBqeEjziwG1BrPj6Ap1a/s640/IMG_0126.jpg" title="Slick Fun Album - Chublock Hooms" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">This piece was drawn in the 1955 for a British comic “Slick Fun Album” it was the cover art by “Bang” ( H. W. Banger). The character is “Chublock Hooms.” I used this card as a dedication to both Tom Stix, Jr., BSI ("The Norwood Builder") and Eileen Hartsoe Katz upon their passing. Dated 1998. Limit of 75 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXgTJZIkevX8s852r688QgbsI_bcAhY0UJlFEr_wRrTeXlk8tRMvWVdFT2a6RlnyidzU0w_9_5f_93HnLW3tC3KFNc4Tiwq8TU6mwcSIwu6xa9EtueXAjEsyD6VLhVDB81K04zduqQ3qO/s1600/IMG_0127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Frederic Cooper - Basil Rathbone" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXgTJZIkevX8s852r688QgbsI_bcAhY0UJlFEr_wRrTeXlk8tRMvWVdFT2a6RlnyidzU0w_9_5f_93HnLW3tC3KFNc4Tiwq8TU6mwcSIwu6xa9EtueXAjEsyD6VLhVDB81K04zduqQ3qO/s640/IMG_0127.jpg" title="Rathbone by Frederic Cooper" width="466" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">"Rathbone" by Frederic Cooper was a published piece, but where it was published escapes me. This was my last card for the 20th century. As I stated, Rathbone was always my least favorite Holmes, but he was one of the most famous, if not the most famous portrayer of Holmes and I thought it was fitting to end the century with his portrayal. 1999 limited to 75 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjLOYC40gb6m6R2vZp1JoXR0iL7XCFYRkRB_lr2kuagtx5juei4JT3BXkY-kp5tSL-pMnIs_QbC-uNvr924iteX_Ce4Szo7V3FpPYSYZoaObkcSNtZdzqJLKVgngV-5DeurLbrwQk0Yp6/s1600/IMG_0128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cushing and Morrell as Holmes and Watson - Prepolec" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjLOYC40gb6m6R2vZp1JoXR0iL7XCFYRkRB_lr2kuagtx5juei4JT3BXkY-kp5tSL-pMnIs_QbC-uNvr924iteX_Ce4Szo7V3FpPYSYZoaObkcSNtZdzqJLKVgngV-5DeurLbrwQk0Yp6/s640/IMG_0128.jpg" title="Peter Cushing and Andrew Morrell as Holmes and Watson by Charles Prepolec" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Starting the new century, I chose my favorite Holmes, Peter Cushing, as drawn by a great friend and amazing artist from Canada, <a href="http://ihose.co/ihose57" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Charles Prepolec</a>. I badgered him into parting with a piece of his art and have acquired a few more over the years. I am not sure what this was done for, but I think it was a published piece. Dated 2000. Limited to 75 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIFbRd0puY-K4rYL8h2Ty89h1d5IyrJJYz2Uun68xZ4P3Au2VCjChx2mY5viXMp2ZThGLVs3C0arzXOV7OGEmOyPIkvLrRxWCwzZVOjtQLV56UC8QQS3RV6RFtYApJ6IDiYho5czkADAA/s1600/IMG_0129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Edgar Allan Poe - Sherlock Holmes - Jeff Decker" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIFbRd0puY-K4rYL8h2Ty89h1d5IyrJJYz2Uun68xZ4P3Au2VCjChx2mY5viXMp2ZThGLVs3C0arzXOV7OGEmOyPIkvLrRxWCwzZVOjtQLV56UC8QQS3RV6RFtYApJ6IDiYho5czkADAA/s640/IMG_0129.jpg" title="Jeff Decker - Edgar Allan Poe" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Edgar Allan Poe by the great Sherlockian artist, Jeff Decker, BSI ("Dr. Grimesby Roylott"). This combines things I love: Poe, Holmes and spooky skull things. Jeff is a master at his craft and I am pleased that I own several of his fine works. Dated 2001 and limited to 75 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lsjI1XUp2Jpc5uLfyuj4Lfun1OwdMh1oOL9gfFeaFTuZG_FlEo3bQ98J63PHuOGGoWfv47xzgRRjCJp6wFP8UByRtEPliU203YhdMiiVqUJis7VulJ40zZJcVv8qs35zOzNsjFi3x2z1/s1600/IMG_0130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jeff Decker - Baker St. Miscellanea cover Holmes Moriarty" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lsjI1XUp2Jpc5uLfyuj4Lfun1OwdMh1oOL9gfFeaFTuZG_FlEo3bQ98J63PHuOGGoWfv47xzgRRjCJp6wFP8UByRtEPliU203YhdMiiVqUJis7VulJ40zZJcVv8qs35zOzNsjFi3x2z1/s640/IMG_0130.jpg" title="Baker Street Miscellanea cover by Jeff Decker" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Published as the cover of the Winter 1988 issue of <i>The Baker Street Miscellanea</i> by Jeff Decker. This card marked the first and </span>— <span style="font-size: small;">so far </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">— </span><span style="font-size: small;">the </span><span style="font-size: small;">only time I have used the same artist two years in a row.  I can never get enough of his work. Dated 2002 and limited to 75 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzq_lL1lyMDpfY-YrZjeY-4nr_uQS0zKt5WiStZLvPoZb41Vy8nZL0yWIV7aL-NZqt3fJkdZFBVhFsIPRo8_jxBl64qp4FTHceofWqxxPu8DlPUbDUb-dUXTtknoWT4ecsr9FGBPvkZ2vE/s1600/IMG_0131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sherlock Holmes by Edgar W. Smith" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzq_lL1lyMDpfY-YrZjeY-4nr_uQS0zKt5WiStZLvPoZb41Vy8nZL0yWIV7aL-NZqt3fJkdZFBVhFsIPRo8_jxBl64qp4FTHceofWqxxPu8DlPUbDUb-dUXTtknoWT4ecsr9FGBPvkZ2vE/s640/IMG_0131.jpg" title="Edgar Smith's Sherlock Holmes" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Sherlock Holmes by Edgar W. Smith, BSI ("<i>The Hound of the Baskervilles</i>"). I don’t think I have to explain much about the art or the artist for this one. I assume since there is no date and that Edgar passed away in 1960, that it was drawn in the 1950s. There is a matching Moriarty, but another Sherlockian who will not part with it as of the last time I asked owns it. Limited to 65 cards and undated though it would have been 2003.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXGc1P0cZIL_fox1EYZ7RO396s5bAzfjzw9r4Qx58w9RpVzzBLkN6_5Z74G0wdo_XMzrYZn82ohTXcGetZAI8rJ5Cfz1hxUklmtA90Y7uxiJkNuGIt8Zu4viGURqV5RLYOgkXnz_K9Vf0/s1600/IMG_0132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sherlock Holmes by Alan Weiss" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXGc1P0cZIL_fox1EYZ7RO396s5bAzfjzw9r4Qx58w9RpVzzBLkN6_5Z74G0wdo_XMzrYZn82ohTXcGetZAI8rJ5Cfz1hxUklmtA90Y7uxiJkNuGIt8Zu4viGURqV5RLYOgkXnz_K9Vf0/s640/IMG_0132.jpg" title="Alan Weiss - Sherlock Holmes" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Sherlock Holmes by Alan Weiss, known for his drawings of Tarzan for DC Comics. This card might qualify as one of the two saddest cards for me to have used as a dedication to a passed Sherlockian. This card was used to say my personal goodbye to <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2004/12/13/mysterious-circumstances" target="_blank">Richard Lancelyn Green</a>, BSI ("The Three Gables"). Dated 2004 and limited to 65 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hssnbft1vHGD-dDlnJhnvNrc0ARJaRqBuDe1uTtPSup4FQ7jI_YmoMZNw1ZUTxytyuucPyPpVPCzhyCfe8vzTiNi1s6LnltelTBy1IytVRx9xX_4Uz1iXfklSQ8L-mD-9V9K7rYwM8SX/s1600/IMG_0133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Roger Witter - Watson and Holmes" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hssnbft1vHGD-dDlnJhnvNrc0ARJaRqBuDe1uTtPSup4FQ7jI_YmoMZNw1ZUTxytyuucPyPpVPCzhyCfe8vzTiNi1s6LnltelTBy1IytVRx9xX_4Uz1iXfklSQ8L-mD-9V9K7rYwM8SX/s640/IMG_0133.jpg" title="Holmes and Watson by Roger Witter" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Holmes and Watson by Roger Witter. This has to be one of my favorite stories of how I acquired a piece of art. When my wife first started teaching in Oregon in 1977, she happened to mention to her middle school students of her husband’s crazy obsession with Holmes. Roger was her student and a budding artist, took it upon himself to do a very large pen and ink piece. It is a strange and wonderful depiction of Holmes and Watson, but a great favorite in the collection.  We tried a few years ago to find him to no avail. I hope he continued with his art. Dated 2005 and limited to 60 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDLcBUBtDEE3PRt-8RznqVgjzMVmbhsRhSOFpqVgLQRVUaTMpexSYZYIyfhkRCg2v9vQauFbiLvn0yuo5zX-Zn1R0CNrYEqR1x-HX3Ds8ovHbPORIwOzVXxQfBa71oqFZJ3HZRUELvrA7/s1600/IMG_0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Will Eisner - Sherlock Holmes and the Spirit" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDLcBUBtDEE3PRt-8RznqVgjzMVmbhsRhSOFpqVgLQRVUaTMpexSYZYIyfhkRCg2v9vQauFbiLvn0yuo5zX-Zn1R0CNrYEqR1x-HX3Ds8ovHbPORIwOzVXxQfBa71oqFZJ3HZRUELvrA7/s640/IMG_0134.jpg" title="The Spirit and Sherlock Holmes by Will Eisner" width="472" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">The Spirit and Holmes by <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1419714988" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="4d046765e95f208b85ce0272363ad817" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Will Eisner" href="http://www.amazon.com/Will-Eisner-Champion-Graphic-Novel/dp/1419714988/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=4d046765e95f208b85ce0272363ad817&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_902802" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Will Eisner</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_902802" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=4d046765e95f208b85ce0272363ad817&_cb=1451112265271" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />. Eisner is one of the greatest comic illustrators ever. This is the only time Eisner drew Holmes and the only time the two characters ever appeared together. Having his work in my collection was a dream come true and I won it on eBay at about 2:00 in the morning. I bid more money than I ever have, but got it for much less than I thought. Eisner drew it for the 1987 UK Comic Art Convention program where he was the guest of honor.  As to getting a matching program, it took me almost two more years to find one by calling and emailing people in England who had been associated with the convention. One guy finally said, “I have a stack of them in my attic, how many do you want?” I took two! Dated 2006 limited to 60 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QNZTqVz3JSZBCvsyPhKXBgyGbYARo1Ah92Atot6JTdG55l4z61_STy86FjBrwHVhF_xDme-1YzFyz4PCwfLFqoyTyAiM6eHUAM483eebQamHqiA7SBcYkXfNGcdBR5_pRZ135fhIaFZe/s1600/IMG_0135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=""What, me deduce?" - Alfred E. Neuman as Sherlock Holmes" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QNZTqVz3JSZBCvsyPhKXBgyGbYARo1Ah92Atot6JTdG55l4z61_STy86FjBrwHVhF_xDme-1YzFyz4PCwfLFqoyTyAiM6eHUAM483eebQamHqiA7SBcYkXfNGcdBR5_pRZ135fhIaFZe/s640/IMG_0135.jpg" title="Alfred E. Neuman as Sherlock Holmes by Ray Alma" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Alfred E. Neuman as Sherlock Holmes. Is there anyone who does not know Alfred E. Neuman? I grew up with MAD Magazine and Ray Alma is the artist for MAD now responsible for drawing him for the magazine. If you see and observe, you might note the bubbles coming out of the pipe instead of smoke. Dated 2007, limited to 60 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWx-FjCg9bk4ZSHwu5clEFBELVuG_82ghRxOOrdkModoM1Fb2nMIECrnh1xFbaMfdvkztnOTLmSihtIaQ1fm9WRJGnB8NRpUUfOYBQl8c-yKaftyLg2_nXuUdll6toGJQxtg6xfNCB_26/s1600/IMG_0136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hawkshaw by Watso" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWx-FjCg9bk4ZSHwu5clEFBELVuG_82ghRxOOrdkModoM1Fb2nMIECrnh1xFbaMfdvkztnOTLmSihtIaQ1fm9WRJGnB8NRpUUfOYBQl8c-yKaftyLg2_nXuUdll6toGJQxtg6xfNCB_26/s640/IMG_0136.jpg" title="Hawkshaw the Detective by Gus Manger" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Hawkshaw the Detective by “Watso” ( Gus Mager). This is an interesting card for two reasons. First, this is the first card in my series that I did on my computer through iPhoto. It came out far better than I ever imagined. Secondly, this art and another like this that I own are close to my heart.  Both pieces by Mager were done for fans in the 1937 when they wrote request letters for a piece of art. Fast-forward to the beginnings of my collecting career and that is exactly what I used to do before the age of email. This proves there is nothing new under the sun. Dated 2007 and limited to 60 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqlIDulMiieYFjkMrKLi_oc0uf3xKWrhlbbMAeaqj_pFdZvlElJN_Gkj26LRrngxBRsUpp8GX2wvEFaO8lz2e9iiX8BHF97tgiU7a7BY8On5ajwbeCJdjQecbHR4veiKL4cxjjlxYHVoZ/s1600/IMG_0137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Holmes uses a reducing glass by Will Elder" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqlIDulMiieYFjkMrKLi_oc0uf3xKWrhlbbMAeaqj_pFdZvlElJN_Gkj26LRrngxBRsUpp8GX2wvEFaO8lz2e9iiX8BHF97tgiU7a7BY8On5ajwbeCJdjQecbHR4veiKL4cxjjlxYHVoZ/s640/IMG_0137.jpg" title="Will Elder - Holmes reducing glass" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;"> Will Elder dedication card upon his passing. Holmes using a reducing glass to make Watson smaller. This was the humor of my longtime friend and great artist, Will Elder of MAD Magazine fame. He was a friend for over 40 years and I used to spend the day at his home for many years when in New York City for the <a href="http://bsiweekend.com/" target="_blank">Baker Street Irregulars Weekend</a>.  He very kindly drew this for me. Dated 2008 and limited to 60 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRMcJvTvwSe7v2R4pMBIxl9sv50XZSx19mL1Ik0b15R9OJaVAra0mYqz2-oi2RxHQkoOWfCqRgtwmFL03CZfYYud3NLJ5T1P7FjZGrYM15dOtkCMIpGO9cJda5-UrpGQjQULeiXWiDblm/s1600/IMG_0138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gahan Wilson draws Jerry Margolin and Sherlock Holmes" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRMcJvTvwSe7v2R4pMBIxl9sv50XZSx19mL1Ik0b15R9OJaVAra0mYqz2-oi2RxHQkoOWfCqRgtwmFL03CZfYYud3NLJ5T1P7FjZGrYM15dOtkCMIpGO9cJda5-UrpGQjQULeiXWiDblm/s640/IMG_0138.jpg" title="Holmes and Margolin - Gahan Wilson" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">“Me and Holmes in Baker Street” by Gahan Wilson. Gahan has been a great friend for over 40 years and he has always been kind enough to give me mostly first crack at any Holmes cartoons he has done. I now own 21 original Holmes pieces plus a few non-Holmes that he did for me as holiday cards. This piece is very special to me as he was kind enough to do a commission piece of me, Holmes and the Hound with the quote “Amazing, Margolin, how your tender care has gentled the Hound of the Baskervilles!” It is a magnificent full color piece and sits proudly on my wall. When I asked Gahan why he gave me the full beard since I only have a goatee, he said “I thought you could use the extra!” Dated 2009 and limited to 60 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmvVpFK-PhcOhLokK2biOuZWxevZMR6unV2YRPwU_Cbz61Iu-vUzV11WRQ6v4OXU47b9PXn1sWnsgZsZljCNN31MyyQvt1oWvRS_IDl2wpgq0wnVgRbcJzABiTCQSDiHMcznN-f0aT-IV/s1600/IMG_0139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Batman and Sherlock Holmes - Moldoff" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmvVpFK-PhcOhLokK2biOuZWxevZMR6unV2YRPwU_Cbz61Iu-vUzV11WRQ6v4OXU47b9PXn1sWnsgZsZljCNN31MyyQvt1oWvRS_IDl2wpgq0wnVgRbcJzABiTCQSDiHMcznN-f0aT-IV/s640/IMG_0139.jpg" title="Sherlock Holmes and Batman by Sheldon Moldoff" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Holmes and Batman by Sheldon “Shelly” Moldoff. Mr. Moldoff worked for D.C. Comics in the 1940s and '50s and was responsible for drawing Batman. He drew this for me happily using the vision of Batman that I grew up with in my comic buying youth. Dated 2010, limited to 60 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1R27d7Q2pSEQEDTnatEGJ18kJs5vi5VIzytB8kds8ADz3NTU50zz4jfARPwa09y__vaEV_UXAJoBrTNXRlmn_HhsINoFMmq5NG1zhjjHJitG6U3mB6me-HgLMwFWjTDslvMK08fV7dzPk/s1600/IMG_0140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Steele Christmas Letter to Starrett" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1R27d7Q2pSEQEDTnatEGJ18kJs5vi5VIzytB8kds8ADz3NTU50zz4jfARPwa09y__vaEV_UXAJoBrTNXRlmn_HhsINoFMmq5NG1zhjjHJitG6U3mB6me-HgLMwFWjTDslvMK08fV7dzPk/s640/IMG_0140.jpg" title="Letter from Steele to Starrett" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Frederic Dorr Steele letter to Vincent Starrett, BSI ("<i>A Study in Scarlet</i>") at Christmas. This was the one time I sent out a card with no Sherlockian illustration. It contained a drawing by Steele of Santa at the top. Holmes is mentioned twice in the content of the letter. I acquired this from Diane Nolan, wife of the late great Sherlockian and my mentor in the BSI, Norman Nolan. Dated 2011 and limited to 60 copies.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAAPMBkMV41PmKGV-CqwS1lFDEIbmZyTMXjY9oSYBoSaSZ2Tdji4pXXHz0K60TypvNrsg2_r4PgZcxkw-W92jr68wkRWN_WlRaK5AhuM20Xw4GDHx2UKRmNu4Zlu8x3kwlAtZEeHdWyPA/s1600/IMG_0141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Peter Cushing caricature" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAAPMBkMV41PmKGV-CqwS1lFDEIbmZyTMXjY9oSYBoSaSZ2Tdji4pXXHz0K60TypvNrsg2_r4PgZcxkw-W92jr68wkRWN_WlRaK5AhuM20Xw4GDHx2UKRmNu4Zlu8x3kwlAtZEeHdWyPA/s640/IMG_0141.jpg" title="Peter Cushing by David O'Keefe" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Peter Cushing as Holmes by David O’Keefe. David is well know for his caricatures of sports figures and celebrities. He very kindly did this commission for me and turned out better than I had imagined. Dated 2012 and limited to 60 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5xyJTt80Qwr_9PXSR6cP319XqwHCoPz0s62h6kwUBVxGSwfpIiiwoQ3QbKCJGqxtxoePlaPiQABm1t_uCOkhnCr2ZU56ATduqc44t8WjkJ_GgzGVrn2N-LkDbZKNRNab8cqxbtrs8W5N/s1600/IMG_0142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Holmes and Dracula by Gene Colon and Jim Tournas" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5xyJTt80Qwr_9PXSR6cP319XqwHCoPz0s62h6kwUBVxGSwfpIiiwoQ3QbKCJGqxtxoePlaPiQABm1t_uCOkhnCr2ZU56ATduqc44t8WjkJ_GgzGVrn2N-LkDbZKNRNab8cqxbtrs8W5N/s640/IMG_0142.jpg" title="Sherlock Holmes and Dracula" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Holmes and Dracula by Gene Colon and inked by Jim Tournas. This was acquired through the artist, Gene Colon. I am not sure where it had been published. It was drawn in the 2000s but there is no exact date listed. I also acquired from the inker Jim Tournas, a larger pencil version of this same art. It combines two favorites, Holmes and Dracula. Dated 2013. Limited to 60 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKhyphenhyphen3mbVjnR1VaVCTmu3UPOLWLlYdKSYOPn31M_DMjhgmoTtxCx-cAMX55A4tAtxu9OrlNQoBpWEzVRc7PoKAJp_vzYdCTffCxE9EIP_gaSseSFTopoJVrEp-N13lNuRs5foXzUW4WZat/s1600/IMG_0143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Original Sidney Paget for "The Resident Patient"" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKhyphenhyphen3mbVjnR1VaVCTmu3UPOLWLlYdKSYOPn31M_DMjhgmoTtxCx-cAMX55A4tAtxu9OrlNQoBpWEzVRc7PoKAJp_vzYdCTffCxE9EIP_gaSseSFTopoJVrEp-N13lNuRs5foXzUW4WZat/s640/IMG_0143.jpg" title=""Holmes opened it and smelled the single cigar which it contained" - Sidney Paget original" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">"Holmes opened it and smelled the single cigar which it contained." - Sherlock Holmes from “The Resident Patient” by Sidney Paget. This art is the crown jewel of my art collection. It took me 22 years to finally own this art and I have had it now for almost 30 years. It is any Sherlockian’s dream come true to own an original Holmes by Paget. To this day, I can truthfully say that whenever I go into my library/gallery room, I get a thrill every time I see it there. I have been pleased to share it with any visiting Sherlockian that arrives at my home.  Finally, I thought this image was fitting to use for my dedication to my longtime friend, <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2013/11/remembering-jerry-wachs-bsi.html#.Vn467RUrLb0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jerry Wachs</a>, BSI ("Sir James Saunders") upon his passing. He was a great friend and a gentle soul. Dated 2014. Limited to 60 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BigPa_UIMyNtmC0VJZcF9nMVRkXXtSicBiwqVqvos5crvd0-0OZvpISSaIGOg5KNBPdLCOS-3T6f8X8xBw4Ymer2ebMCLGy9KH6jWf3RHyRZL238aDxDsSIUYfIhUcO8eFg1s0a_Q1zd/s1600/IMG_0144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Berkeley paperback cover of Holmes and Watson by Guy Deel" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BigPa_UIMyNtmC0VJZcF9nMVRkXXtSicBiwqVqvos5crvd0-0OZvpISSaIGOg5KNBPdLCOS-3T6f8X8xBw4Ymer2ebMCLGy9KH6jWf3RHyRZL238aDxDsSIUYfIhUcO8eFg1s0a_Q1zd/s640/IMG_0144.jpg" title="Guy Deel - Holmes and Watson paperback" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Finally, this brings us to the newest card drawn I think in the 1980s for the cover of Berkeley paperback editions of the Canon by Guy Deel. Deel was famous for his Western cowboy and Indian paintings. He also did most all the covers of the Canon for paperback editions. This is one of my favorites in my collection of Deel paintings and drawings. I also have the preliminary blue pencil drawing for this scene. Dated 2015. Limited to 60 cards.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We’ve always thoroughly enjoyed receiving Jerry’s cards, and we always anticipate the early arrival of them. We’ll be looking forward to next year’s card with continued excitement!<br />
<br />
<br />
--

One Sherlockian’s Christmas Card Tradition

“we are getting some cards” [SHOS] Regardless of how one celebrates Christmas, it undoubtedly includes some type of tradition. One of t...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Compliments of the Season

<h4 style="text-align: center;">
"I have it here in my museum" [BLUE]</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OinVncBdnw9WBDdtsqH760sLPQqU102K_YGLO3lZ45vH0VKzC44Ok5YkcAApIAMjEmtOX6KmQkHhwhor6V8W7knR7CK3OYOwpqgPPxXdIK0tgTSaasezyR2QbUYwA7JsVV6yK6w7RJCe/s1600/MUSG+-+Holmes+records+tin+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OinVncBdnw9WBDdtsqH760sLPQqU102K_YGLO3lZ45vH0VKzC44Ok5YkcAApIAMjEmtOX6KmQkHhwhor6V8W7knR7CK3OYOwpqgPPxXdIK0tgTSaasezyR2QbUYwA7JsVV6yK6w7RJCe/s400/MUSG+-+Holmes+records+tin+box.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
<br />
While you enjoy the holiday today, however you celebrate it, we have the good fortune to wish you "the compliments of the season." [BLUE]<br />
<br />
In the spirit of the season, we have two gifts for you, both taken from our archives. It isn't that we're too lazy to publish anything new (you'll likely have seen our activity over the past few days, and will see more in the week ahead), but rather that we have such a treasure trove to choose from.<br />
<br />
<a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2011/12/arrived-upon-christmas-morning-blue_25.html#.VnjRCBUrLb1" href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2011/12/arrived-upon-christmas-morning-blue_25.html#.VnjRCBUrLb1">"The Bloo Sparkly"</a> is "The Blue Carbuncle," as told via animated GIF. It's entertaining, irreverent and worth your time.<br />
<br />
<div>
If you're in the mood to curl up and listen to a good conversation about the wonderful story that is "The Blue Carbuncle," take a listen to <a data-cke-saved-href="http://ihose.co/ihose49" href="http://ihose.co/ihose49">Episode 49: I'll Have a Blue Christmas</a>.<br />
<br />
Both of these gems from the past are bonny things and will put a smile on your face for the holiday.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, thank you for your support throughout the year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-pGfyaQgftdFb5HV9tZJxKwYltdiklapHVeVOF7T4szZ4zqeXsARwRpWNIHXnjJ2C2YrThMT-nIdXIdzzgeOdOhtwTHUlB7VLxkJJouz1_5wQphkC2TJe_W_2zHb-1MEI9krsMmMN8id/s1600/Sig+-+Scott.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-pGfyaQgftdFb5HV9tZJxKwYltdiklapHVeVOF7T4szZ4zqeXsARwRpWNIHXnjJ2C2YrThMT-nIdXIdzzgeOdOhtwTHUlB7VLxkJJouz1_5wQphkC2TJe_W_2zHb-1MEI9krsMmMN8id/s200/Sig+-+Scott.png" width="200" /></a></div>
 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAYNSf1s3-iHtGkxbNmGBqnUyeSx8ZJd1DyrR_YiRGj9Kkz61F2C7YZ_c-FlYXInDsJ53-PgC-F8UevNVUr8r9g1gBwgQN2dViHBwH2b7xiPh_GxMUoNLXUDFQEJGO6i_7ytkenGgLjyY/s1600/Sig+Burt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAYNSf1s3-iHtGkxbNmGBqnUyeSx8ZJd1DyrR_YiRGj9Kkz61F2C7YZ_c-FlYXInDsJ53-PgC-F8UevNVUr8r9g1gBwgQN2dViHBwH2b7xiPh_GxMUoNLXUDFQEJGO6i_7ytkenGgLjyY/s200/Sig+Burt.png" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=2318606&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fihearofsherlock.com%2Fpodcast"><br /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=2318606&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fihearofsherlock.com%2Fpodcast"><img height="40" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/widget-images/become-patron-widget-medium%402x.png" width="204" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=2318606&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fihearofsherlock.com%2Fpodcast">
    
</a><br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" /><br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>

Compliments of the Season

"I have it here in my museum" [BLUE] While you enjoy the holiday today, however you celebrate it, we have the good fortune to...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

A Sherlock Holmes Christmas Carol

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">"I thought it was his ghost at first" [NOBL]</span></h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Syv7m3TnGn2nQ1xuH-_lPt9Vl3R4v0XjIEF0Rfqt7CIygV-_2TenULREAZrGSkAMbPD1J4A1nkLc1XyoitSahxIwtiJ-BpSSiWLmcW1pW_3mufhE6iXac2WRI4jGgmWYk5Cu8QPlA4uH/s1600/Sherlock+Holmes+Christmas+Carol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Syv7m3TnGn2nQ1xuH-_lPt9Vl3R4v0XjIEF0Rfqt7CIygV-_2TenULREAZrGSkAMbPD1J4A1nkLc1XyoitSahxIwtiJ-BpSSiWLmcW1pW_3mufhE6iXac2WRI4jGgmWYk5Cu8QPlA4uH/s640/Sherlock+Holmes+Christmas+Carol.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
[<b>Editor's note:</b><i> This is the second in our series of Christmas posts. Mattias Bostrom, BSI ("The Swedish Pathological Society") was kind enough to submit this, and even though we typically don't publish stories, we thought this was too unique to pass up.</i>]<br />
<div>
<br />
Sherlock Holmes was dead. There was no doubt whatsoever about that. His body had disappeared after falling down the Reichenbach Falls, locked in the arms of Professor Moriarty, ending up deep down in a dreadful caldron of swirling water and seething foam. Any attempt at recovering his body had been absolutely hopeless. <br />
<br />
The real murderer was, of course, Dr A. Conan Doyle, who had got tired of his fictitious character, wiped him out with his pen and ink and made sure that the master detective was no more. <br />
<br />
Conan Doyle – oh! what a cold-hearted man he was, selfishly he had put an end to the joy of hundreds of thousands, and cowardly he had left his country only days before his decision was made public. And now, he walked the streets near the Kurhaus Hotel in Davos in Switzerland with something akin to a smirk on his face. A white frost had settled on his head, and on his eyebrows, and on his large waxed moustache. <br />
<br />
At close quarters, however, he wasn’t smiling at all. His smile had frozen. His wife had fallen ill, and the dry and crispy Alpine air was a better alternative than the damp winter climate of London.<br />
<br />
It was just a fortnight since the readers had opened the <i>Strand Magazine</i>, only to find that Sherlock Holmes was gone, never to return. The news spread like wildfire. Not even on the streets of Davos was Conan Doyle safe from comments upon his deed.<br />
<br />
  ‘If I didn’t kill him, he would have killed me,’ Conan Doyle defended himself to an English acquaintance he happened to meet on the snow-covered street.</div>
<div>
  ‘Bah!’ said the fellow Englishman. And, ‘Humbug!’ he added.<br />
<br />
Conan Doyle tried to reply, but the man was gone. Instead the author entered the post office. The Swiss woman who sold him stamps looked suspiciously at him.<br />
<br />
  ‘You brute,’ she muttered.<br />
  ‘My good woman, I invented Holmes,’ said Conan Doyle. ‘What I then do with him is a decision for me – and not for the entire mankind – to make.’<br />
  ‘Bah,’ she said to herself. And, ‘Humbug.’<br />
<br />
Conan Doyle walked straight out, forgetting to post his letter to the Ma’am. Snow had started to fall. An elderly gentleman came towards him and barely had the man opened his mouth before Conan Doyle exploded and waved his right forefinger in the direction of the man.<br />
<br />
  ‘Don’t you, too, go bah and humbugging me!’<br />
  ‘I’m very sorry, sir,’ said the old man in a weak and hoarse voice, ‘I had no intention at all to do that. I just wanted to tell you that you happened to drop a letter when you walked down the steps from the post office. A merry Christmas!’<br />
<br />
And Conan Doyle intended indeed to have a merry Christmas, although the dark clouds were gathering in his life. He went back to the hotel, to spend the rest of this Christmas Eve with Touie, his wife.<br />
<br />
The evening passed, and the night came. The light snowfall turned into an intense storm, and no one dared go outside. Touie went to bed and was soon asleep. Conan Doyle himself was wide awake, listening to the creaking sounds around him, staring upwards in the dim light from the fading glow of the fire. Above him was a plaster ceiling, and when he looked really hard he thought he could make out some of the pattern. It took the form of a hawk-like profile. No! It couldn’t be. Not Sherlock Holmes. He closed his eyes, but he still saw the profile. He opened his eyes and the sight was gone.<br />
<br />
A few minutes later he heard a sound from the hotel room door, as if someone was knocking very softly. It must be midnight, who could that be? He got up from bed and went over to the door. He opened it – no one was there. It must have been the storm that made it creak. Strange. Back to bed then. As he did so he caught a glimpse of something moving just outside the window, in the snowstorm. But the room was on the second floor! Oh, it was nothing but an image of himself, mirrored in the glass.<br />
<br />
He lay down on the bed, but heard another tapping sound. Not from the door this time. He tried to locate it. It came from the window. He went back, and stood there watching the storm outside and saw nothing apart from his own mirrored silhouette. He stood there, silently staring at himself, when the head in front of him slowly turned to one side, and he saw its hawk-like profile. It was located on the outside; he could see how the snow fell through it.<br />
<br />
He jerked backwards. Looked again. Now he could only see his own image in the glass. His mind was playing tricks on him.<br />
<br />
  ‘My dear Doyle,’ someone said behind him, a voice both hollow and sharp. He had never heard that voice in real life, only in his own head, but he knew it all too well.<br />
<br />
Conan Doyle turned around. No one was there. Or rather, that was his first impression, but then he noticed the shape of a man, a thin slice of fog, floating in the dusky room. But a fog with dead-cold eyes.<br />
<br />
  ‘Who are you?’ said Conan Doyle.<br />
  ‘I seem to be your lingering nightmare.’ <br />
<br />
Conan Doyle was a tall man, but this figure grew even taller. <br />
<br />
  ‘What do you want with me?’ said Conan Doyle.<br />
  ‘You are a clever man, Doyle, you can deduce it.’</div>
<div>
  ‘I’m not that clever. If you are the one I believe you are, you are the clever one.’<br />
  ‘Only because you made me like that. But you are wrong. I am not the clever one. I was. Don’t you remember? You killed me, Doyle.’<br />
<br />
The author shook his head. ‘Impossible, because you’re fictitious. You never lived!’<br />
<br />
  ‘And yet I’m dead, standing here in front of you as a ghost.’<br />
  ‘I don’t believe in spirits.’<br />
  ‘Then maybe, my dear Doyle, it’s time for you to start. Once you do, spirits will eventually be the only thing you believe in. We do exist, you know. My friend the late Professor Moriarty is quite upset with you as well.’<br />
  ‘Your friend Professor Moriarty?’<br />
  ‘He turned out to be rather a decent man after all – or, should I say, after death.’<br />
<br />
Conan Doyle raised his arms in front of him, as if defending himself against the unbelievable. ‘Stop,’ he said. ‘Please, stop this nonsense. You are a figment of my imagination, we both know that. You have always been that, that’s what you are right now, and who you will be forever on. I don’t know what you are after, but whatever you say can’t hurt my mind.’<br />
<br />
  ‘I know,’ said the Ghost and floated closer, his voice but a whisper. ‘But your heart.’<br />
  ‘Sorry?’<br />
<br />
Conan Doyle looked puzzled.<br />
<br />
  ‘Come, if convenient,’ said the Ghost.<br />
  ‘If inconvenient?’ Conan Doyle wondered.<br />
  ‘Come anyway.’<br />
<br />
The Ghost put out its strong hand as it spoke, and clasped Conan Doyle by the arm. They made towards the window.<br />
<br />
  ‘I am a mortal,’ Conan Doyle said, ‘and liable to fall.’<br />
  ‘Trust me,’ said the Ghost. ‘I know a few things about falling. And I have no reason to kill you. Come Doyle, come! The game is afoot!’<br />
<br />
As the words were spoken, they passed through the wall, and stood on a street in front of a three-storey house. The darkness, the storm, and the snow had all vanished. The sun was shining, it was a spring day.<br />
<br />
  ‘Good Heavens!’ said Conan Doyle, clasping his hands together, as he looked about him. ‘It’s Bush Villas. I used to live here! And not that long ago, actually. Although it feels like an eternity.’<br />
<br />
A woman came out of the door.<br />
<br />
  ‘Why, it’s Touie!’ Conan Doyle exclaimed. ‘Touie! Touie! She can’t hear me? Oh, we are not really here, I see. She looks so young. And healthy.’<br />
  ‘She was young. You were too. You know what day this is?’<br />
  ‘No. It seems like any day. Life back then was a long row of routine. Waiting for patients to knock on the door, writing short stories to afford the basic things. But we had each other, and we had a place to call our home.’<br />
  ‘This is not just any day,’ said the Ghost. ‘For neither of us.’<br />
<br />
The Ghost waved his hand, and they stood inside the house. The woman and her husband were having dinner. He looked at her and smiled.<br />
<br />
  ‘You seem so happy today, Arthur,’ the wife said and returned the smile. ‘Any new stories?’<br />
  ‘I just had the most excellent idea,’ said the husband. ‘You remember me talking about my old professor, Joe Bell, and his marvellous powers of observation and deduction?’ <br />
  ‘You will make a detective based on Bell.’<br />
  ‘Exactly!’ said the husband. ‘How did you know that?’<br />
  ‘It’s elementary, my dear Arthur. You have brought your notes to the dinner, you can’t take your eyes off them, and, you know, I do have the gift of reading upside-down.’<br />
  ‘Oh, Touie, maybe I should write about a lady detective instead.’<br />
  ‘I think your ideas are better,’ she said and nodded at his notes. ‘But those names – Sherrinford Holmes and Ormond Sacker – you can do better than that. You always go for so odd names – Octavius Gaster and such. Call that other fellow Watson or something plain for once.’<br />
<br />
The Ghost started to raise his hand. Conan Doyle stopped him.<br />
<br />
  ‘Can’t we stay here for a while, please,’ said the author. ‘I had forgotten about this moment. It’s dear to me.’<br />
  ‘One more minute,’ the Ghost replied. ‘This is after all a very special moment – for me, too. It’s not often you get to see your own birth.’<br />
<br />
They stood there in silence, while the man and the woman continued their dinner. Not a word was spoken at the table. Everything the married couple said was said through glances.<br />
<br />
  ‘Now is the time,’ said the Ghost and waved his hand.<br />
<br />
They were in a sitting-room.<br />
<br />
  ‘Where are we?’ Conan Doyle wondered.<br />
  ‘In half a million different places.’<br />
  ‘I don’t understand,’ said Conan Doyle.<br />
 ‘You will.’<br />
<br />
There was a man, about forty years of age, sitting in an easy chair near the fireside. There were Christmas decorations on the mantelpiece. The man was reading a magazine.<br />
<br />
  ‘When is this?’ said Conan Doyle.<br />
  ‘A few nights ago.’<br />
  ‘Who is he?’<br />
  ‘Anyone.’<br />
  ‘But why are tears running down his face?’<br />
  ‘Oh, Doyle, you are such a cold-hearted man,’ said the Ghost. ‘You understand nothing. The other day you wrote in your diary, “Killed Holmes”. You must be blind. Look what you have done!’<br />
<br />
The man’s wife entered the vision.<br />
<br />
  ‘He’s dead,’ said the man.<br />
  ‘I know,’ the woman replied. ‘I know. I heard about it at the butcher’s this morning. I didn’t know how to tell you.’<br />
  ‘We can cancel our subscription now,’ he said.<br />
<br />
The man and the wife stood close to each other.<br />
<br />
Conan Doyle searched for words.<br />
<br />
  ‘I didn’t …’ he began. ‘Sherlock Holmes is …’ He looked at the Ghost. ‘You are my creation.’<br />
  ‘And you have brought an entire country into national mourning. You see, you are not just the author of the Sherlock Holmes stories. You are also God in your created world, the unseen power behind everything. And what a maker does, that affects people – inside that created world, but also on the outside, among the mortals. There must not be such a thing as a selfish God, who makes decisions out of his own desires, that would entirely ruin the balance and make the pain of the created world explode out into the real world. I’m not a religious man, and you know that, of course, so the God I’m talking about is just a normal man, but a man with total power. And such a God must understand the power of his own decisions. But I forgive you, I think you simply didn't know.’<br />
<br />
Conan Doyle stood silent. There was a look of sorrow in his face. As if something inside him had changed.<br />
<br />
  ‘I can live with being a Ghost of myself, but can you?’ the Ghost said, and then he waved his hand. The room was gone.</div>
<div>
They stood in front of an iron gate. Conan Doyle paused to look around before entering.<br />
<br />
A churchyard. Trees were overshadowing them, yellow leaves were falling down.<br />
<br />
The Ghost stood among the graves, and pointed down to one. Conan Doyle advanced towards it trembling.<br />
<br />
  ‘Is it mine?’ Conan Doyle said. He didn't dare to look at the tombstone.<br />
  ‘Is it of any importance?’ the Ghost replied. ‘We will all die. Just look at me.’<br />
<br />
Conan Doyle turned to the dim figure and laughed. ‘Holmes, I'm starting to like you.’<br />
<br />
  ‘As you once did.’<br />
  ‘Well, actually I have nothing against you personally, believe it or not. It's all about me. I need to know who I am without you.’<br />
  ‘Fair. Let's make a deal, Doyle. I give you ten years.’<br />
  ‘Why?’<br />
  ‘To figure out who you really are,’ said the Ghost. ‘I think you need ten years for that.’<br />
  ‘And then what?’<br />
  ‘Then you will revive me,’ said the Ghost.<br />
  ‘But what if I don’t want to do that? How can you know that I am going to bring you back from the dead?’<br />
  ‘It was you who said it. That I am the clever one. And do you really doubt Sherlock Holmes?’<br />
  ‘No, I suppose not.’<br />
  ‘In the autumn of 1903, ten years from now,’ the Ghost said, ‘Sherlock Holmes will rise from the dead – never to die again. I have no problem with being dead for a decade, because after that I will turn eternal. Such will be the power of your future decision. The forces you unleash when you bring me back will give me an everlasting life of crime-solving. The world of fiction will be forever thankful.’<br />
<br />
Conan Doyle was deep in thought when he happened to look at the tombstone. He smiled.<br />
<br />
  ‘I thought it was my grave,’ he said. ‘Where exactly are we?’<br />
  ‘In your mind, I think,’ the Ghost replied.<br />
<br />
On the tombstone was the name of Sherlock Holmes, and the year of his death. <br />
<br />
Conan Doyle made a decision. He was going to make a deal with Sherlock Holmes.<br />
<br />
He looked at the tombstone again. The text had vanished.<br />
<br />
  ‘But will it not be boring to be a Ghost for ten years?’ said Conan Doyle.<br />
  ‘With all this new Spiritualism going on in your world, I will have enough work just exposing fake spirits in my own.’<br />
<br />
They began to walk back to the iron gate, side by side.<br />
<br />
  ‘It was a pleasure to meet you at last,’ said the author.<br />
  ‘Merry Christmas, my dear Doyle,’ said his creation.<br />
<br />
The Ghost waved his hand and it was all dark again. Conan Doyle lay in his bed at the Kurhaus Hotel. Outside the storm had disappeared and the night was calm.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12zAUjiIco-71Ql7HEU4pyIX6m-aAy2BjMxM3QH76D3x-su2tDan3jTybyMaigzBk4lZxzj-mDLMPtZN2iZ6HNqlcWt0mEB6bMvi5rOb-lSm3YjO2JK-EsRXAsA6TeUtw1MiqoKOJbreO/s1600/dividing+line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="24" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12zAUjiIco-71Ql7HEU4pyIX6m-aAy2BjMxM3QH76D3x-su2tDan3jTybyMaigzBk4lZxzj-mDLMPtZN2iZ6HNqlcWt0mEB6bMvi5rOb-lSm3YjO2JK-EsRXAsA6TeUtw1MiqoKOJbreO/s320/dividing+line.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I had a nightmare, the Englishman thought when he woke up. And such an elaborate one. Ever since childhood he had had similar dreams. His older brother Mycroft had them too. Complicated, detailed fantasies, with an intriguing beginning, an investigative middle, and a surprising end. Nothing like any dreams he and Mycroft had ever read about. None of the Holmes brothers were especially good story-tellers, they both relied too much on facts, so these dreams were not stories, they were pieces of information put together in a logical and definite way. They felt so real, but were full of fantastic things. He couldn’t understand how he could believe in them while sleeping. It was a relief to wake up to a real world where no ghosts need apply.<br />
<br />
He knew of the author of historical novels, Arthur Conan Doyle, because Watson had mentioned meeting him at some club. But this! He had no idea how that man had entered into his mind. It was such a strange dream. Probably an effect of Watson’s writings, in which both of them had turned into fictitious characters, almost. Good old Watson, he missed him. Two and a half years had passed since that day at the Reichenbach Falls when he had had to leave Watson behind. When Professor Moriarty had plunged to his death, and he himself had fled to Tibet, without a word to anyone but Mycroft.<br />
<br />
The sunbeams reached his bed. After the cold night it was already beginning to get warm in the room. The Sudan heat could be unbearable.<br />
<br />
He put his feet on the floor. It was cool. There was a stack of books on a table next to the bed, brought there from the Khalifa’s private library. The Khalifa probably wanted him to feel as if he were at home, in England, because all of the books were popular English ones. The one by Dickens he had read the previous evening. For some reason he had never read it before, but when he realized that yesterday actually was Christmas Eve, it had felt appropriate.<br />
<br />
Which of course meant that today was Christmas Day, not like any Christmas Day he had experienced before. He looked out through the window and saw the confluence of the White Nile and the Blue Nile at distance.<br />
<br />
  ‘Merry Christmas, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,’ he said to himself and turned his head to one side. A hawk-like shadow fell on the wall.<br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
<br /></div>