Frank Kettlewell (American, 1889-1969) O. K. Is
Frank Kettlewell (American, 1889-1969) O. K. Is Right, Oakland Tribune newspaper cartoon, 1931 India ink, lithographic crayon, and gouache on paper 14 x 10-1x2 inches (35.6 x 26.7 cm) (image) Signed lower left: Ket This handsome newspaper cartoon by Frank Kettllewell on the theme of early aviation in the United States was published in the Oakland Tribune in 1931 and marks the designation of the "morse flash beacon for Oakland Airport" by the "Dep't of Commerce Aeronautics Branch." Uncle Sam flying high above the airport lets everyone know "O. K. Is Right!" Frank Kettlewell was born in St. Helena, California, and arrived in San Francisco soon after the 1906 earthquake. He settled in and attended Mark Hopkins Institute of Art and in 1912 started at the Oakland Tribune, where he contributed cartoons, illustrations and maps until 1949 when he became the paper's art director, a position he held until retirement in 1966. He signed his work "Ket." In addition he signed and dated this original in full at lower right: "Frank Kettlewell x Feb. 27th 1931" (likely soon after the date of publication). HID03101062020 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.comxTexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice
Condition
Very light toning to sheet. Minor loss at upper left corner, not affecting central image. Soft vertical crease through sheet; horizontal crease through lower margin with some handling creases concentrated at right corner. Very light scattered surface dirt and faint stains to margins. Small stabilized tear in right margin, not affecting central image; two minor nicks to left edge. Wear and markings to margins of page in keeping with illustration and publishing process. Not framed. Sheet overall: 15.75 x 12 inches Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS"
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Frank Kettlewell (American, 1889-1969) O. K. Is Right, Oakland Tribune newspaper cartoon, 1931 India ink, lithographic crayon, and gouache on paper 14 x 10-1x2 inches (35.6 x 26.7 cm) (image) Signed lower left: Ket This handsome newspaper cartoon by Frank Kettllewell on the theme of early aviation in the United States was published in the Oakland Tribune in 1931 and marks the designation of the "morse flash beacon for Oakland Airport" by the "Dep't of Commerce Aeronautics Branch." Uncle Sam flying high above the airport lets everyone know "O. K. Is Right!" Frank Kettlewell was born in St. Helena, California, and arrived in San Francisco soon after the 1906 earthquake. He settled in and attended Mark Hopkins Institute of Art and in 1912 started at the Oakland Tribune, where he contributed cartoons, illustrations and maps until 1949 when he became the paper's art director, a position he held until retirement in 1966. He signed his work "Ket." In addition he signed and dated this original in full at lower right: "Frank Kettlewell x Feb. 27th 1931" (likely soon after the date of publication). HID03101062020 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.comxTexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice
Condition
Very light toning to sheet. Minor loss at upper left corner, not affecting central image. Soft vertical crease through sheet; horizontal crease through lower margin with some handling creases concentrated at right corner. Very light scattered surface dirt and faint stains to margins. Small stabilized tear in right margin, not affecting central image; two minor nicks to left edge. Wear and markings to margins of page in keeping with illustration and publishing process. Not framed. Sheet overall: 15.75 x 12 inches Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS"
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Time, Location
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