Vintage The Black Cat Magazine Poster | Antique American Advertising A

Ready-to-hang: Includes hanging kit, ready to hang directly on the wall.
Frame Material: Durable pine wood.
Frame Measurements: 20-25mm (0.79"-0.98") thick, 10-14mm (0.4"-0.6") wide.
Paper Weight: 200 gsm (80 lb), thickness: 0.22 mm (8.7 mils).
Paper Finishing: Matte, smooth, non-reflective surface.
Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the poster.
Sustainable Paper: FSC-certified materials or equivalent.

This is a classic advertising poster for The Black Cat, a popular American short story magazine of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The design is a masterpiece of early graphic advertising, featuring the magazine's iconic mascot: a confident and clever-looking black cat. The cat wears a collar with a bold "5 CENTS" price tag, announcing the magazine's affordable price. The simple, powerful composition and the striking color scheme of red, black, and off-white created an instantly recognizable brand for this unique publication.

Historical Tidbit

This poster advertises a truly revolutionary literary magazine. The founder of The Black Cat (published 1895–1922) was frustrated with magazines that published mediocre stories by famous authors. He instituted a radical policy: all manuscripts were submitted and judged completely anonymously. The editors had no idea if they were reading a story by a household name or a total beginner. Their motto was "The story is the thing," and they paid high rates for unconventional, clever tales, often with a twist ending. This meritocratic approach made the magazine a vital launchpad for new writers and helped discover major talents like the celebrated author Jack London.

Our sturdy wooden framed posters come ready to hang and are printed on heavyweight white matte paper with a smooth, luxurious finish—designed to stand the test of time: