(Item 243)
The addition of the Antique Pool Parlor Advertising Fan (c.1900) from New Jersey ( adds a layer of “social DNA” to any collection.
In the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, advertising fans were more than just cooling tools—they were the “billboards” of the sidewalk.
The Significance of Item
A pool parlor fan from New Jersey at the turn of the century is a localized historical artifact. Here is why it holds weight for a collector:
The Golden Age of New Jersey Billiards: Around 1900, New Jersey was a hub for high-stakes pool rooms and manufacturers (like the early Brunswick-Balke-Collender presence in the tri-state area). A fan from this era likely advertises a specific “Academy” or “Parlor”.
Ephemera Scarcity: Unlike ivory balls or hardwood cues, paper and wood fans were designed to be disposable. Surviving examples are “miracle survivors” of a bygone marketing era.
Crossover Appeal: This item appeals to three distinct markets:
Billiard Historians: Looking for “site-specific” provenance.
Advertising Collectors: Who value the lithography and typography of the 1900s.
Jerseyana Collectors: Who focus specifically on Garden State commercial history.
The “Aesthetic Pivot”
In a curated display this provides the visual contrast.
| Feature | The Collector’s Value |
| Lithography | Does it feature an illustration of a pool table or a lady in Edwardian dress? This dictates the “crossover” value. |
| The “Handle” | Is it a simple wood stick or an ornate “folding” style? Folding fans generally command a higher premium in the ephemera market. |
| Condition | Since these were used in smoke-filled pool parlors, finding one without heavy nicotine staining or edge-tears is a major win for “Investment Grade” status. |
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