John Baer (American, 1886-1970) Looks Like A "Ka
John Baer (American, 1886-1970) Looks Like A "Kayo", Labor Newspaper cartoon, September 1938 India ink on heavyweight paper 16 x 14-1x4 inches (40.6 x 36.2 cm) (image) Signed lower right: John Baer John Miller Baer has an unusual and interesting biography. He worked in North Dakota as a civil engineer, farmer and postmaster before finding success as a cartoonist. He resided on the left in politics and drew cartoons for the Non-Partisan Leader; in 1916 he moved to Fargo and was on staff at the Fargo Courier-News. With the endorsement of the National Nonpartisan League he was elected in 1917 as a Republican representative in the U.S. House of Representatives. His patriotism was considered only lukewarm in a time of war, and an association with socialism led to the loss of his seat in the 1920 election. After 1920 Mr. Baer again took up journalism full time and became the editorial cartoonist for Labor, the newspaper of the National Railroad Union, where he created cartoons urging improvement of conditions for the American worker and the unemployed. Looks Like A "Kayo" was published in September 1938 during primary elections in Maryland. U. S. Representative David Lewis challenged incumbent Senator Millard Tydings and was backed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of his effort to purge conservative elements from his own party. FDR is smiling in his portrait on the wall, but the election went against him, for Millard won every county in the state. Union symbol appears in the image at lower left. This original in inscribed and signed "To Murray Harris with best wishes all ways John Baer" in the bottom margin. HID03101062020 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.comxTexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice
Condition
Light toning most visible through margins. Diagonal crease at upper left, not affecting central image; some light scattered handling creases, visible under raking light. Very light pin points of surface dirt most visible in upper region in areas of negative space and through margins. Wear and markings to margins of page in keeping with illustration and publishing process. Not framed. Sheet overall: 20.5 x 18.25 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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John Baer (American, 1886-1970) Looks Like A "Kayo", Labor Newspaper cartoon, September 1938 India ink on heavyweight paper 16 x 14-1x4 inches (40.6 x 36.2 cm) (image) Signed lower right: John Baer John Miller Baer has an unusual and interesting biography. He worked in North Dakota as a civil engineer, farmer and postmaster before finding success as a cartoonist. He resided on the left in politics and drew cartoons for the Non-Partisan Leader; in 1916 he moved to Fargo and was on staff at the Fargo Courier-News. With the endorsement of the National Nonpartisan League he was elected in 1917 as a Republican representative in the U.S. House of Representatives. His patriotism was considered only lukewarm in a time of war, and an association with socialism led to the loss of his seat in the 1920 election. After 1920 Mr. Baer again took up journalism full time and became the editorial cartoonist for Labor, the newspaper of the National Railroad Union, where he created cartoons urging improvement of conditions for the American worker and the unemployed. Looks Like A "Kayo" was published in September 1938 during primary elections in Maryland. U. S. Representative David Lewis challenged incumbent Senator Millard Tydings and was backed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of his effort to purge conservative elements from his own party. FDR is smiling in his portrait on the wall, but the election went against him, for Millard won every county in the state. Union symbol appears in the image at lower left. This original in inscribed and signed "To Murray Harris with best wishes all ways John Baer" in the bottom margin. HID03101062020 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.comxTexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice
Condition
Light toning most visible through margins. Diagonal crease at upper left, not affecting central image; some light scattered handling creases, visible under raking light. Very light pin points of surface dirt most visible in upper region in areas of negative space and through margins. Wear and markings to margins of page in keeping with illustration and publishing process. Not framed. Sheet overall: 20.5 x 18.25 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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