Milton Caniff Comic Art: Prices Realized & Appraisal Guide

To auction, sell or consign your Milton Caniff Terry and the Pirates comic art, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).

What WasTerry and the Pirates?

Milton Caniff’s Terry and the Pirates was a popular action-adventure comic strip by Milton Caniff that originally ran between 1934 and 1946. The strip featured American teen, Terry, and his travel adventures. The strip contained politically charged elements once World War II broke out, such as incorporating Japanese villains. Caniff wasn’t allowed to identify these characters as Japanese and they were simply introduced as “invaders” in the plot. Milton Caniff was awarded Cartoonist of the Year in 1946 for his Terry and the Pirates strip.

Here’s Some Milton Caniff Art We’ve Sold:

“Terry and the Pirates” Comic Strip From 1936 — Sold for $4,000

“Terry and the Pirates” original comic strip hand-drawn by Milton Caniff entitled “The Lady Must Have Her Fun”. In this strip published 3 October 1936 shortly after the series debut, the Dragon Lady drugs the “handsome American” (the character Pat Ryan) to “see the American dog squirm a bit!” With Chicago Tribune label on second panel. Strip is highlighted with turquoise wash (for shading) and inscribed by Caniff along the bottom margin, “To Graeme MacLeod with my best wishes Milton Caniff”. Measures 22.75″ x 7″. Light soiling and toning, and separation starting along center fold. Overall very good condition. Sold for $4,000.

Charcoal Drawing of the Dragon Lady — Sold for $1,563

Milton Caniff large charcoal drawing of the Dragon Lady, his character from ”Terry and the Pirates”. Sketch in shades of red, black and gray measures 24” x 30”, showing the Dragon Lady as beautiful and formidable. Inscribed by Caniff on the right margin, ”For Doug Morris from Milton Caniff”. Framed to 26.75” x 32.75”. Very good to near fine condition. Sold for $1,563.

Ray Bradbury Portrait by Milton Caniff — Sold for $1,125

Ray Bradbury portrait by Milton Caniff. Charcoal bust portrait of the author bears a dedication by the artist, ”For R.B. with high esteem Milton Caniff N.Y. July ’70”. Matted to an overall size of 13.25” x 18”. Near fine. With a COA from the Ray Bradbury estate. Sold for $1,125.

To auction, sell or consign your Milton Caniff Terry and the Pirates comic art, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).