Antique 1930s Pride of Venice Cove Orange Crate Label — Klink Citrus Association, Ivanhoe, Tulare County CA

An original Pride of Venice Cove label - a paper crate label, not a crate - packed by the Klink Citrus Association of Ivanhoe, Tulare County, California. Venice Cove is the local place name. The brand printed on the sheet is PRIDE OF VENICE COVE, and dropping that last word moves a Tulare County locality several hundred miles to the coast.

On a deep maroon ground, two oranges with leaves and blossom sit at the left and a standing rooster at the right. The rooster is half the artwork and the reason collectors know this one on sight. PACKED BY KLINK CITRUS ASSOCIATION, IVANHOE, TULARE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA runs below, with REG. U. S. PAT. OFF., and a red disc device in the lower right reads CALIFORNIA Red Ball - the California Fruit Growers Exchange grade mark that sat a step below Sunkist.

The Klink Citrus Association was founded in 1917, when the citrus industry was booming in Tulare County. The name goes back further: the Southern Pacific Railroad called the spot Klink in 1888 after George Klink, an auditor for the company, before the town became Ivanhoe.

On the date: no year is printed on the sheet, and no printer's imprint is visible on it. The 1930s attribution comes from the trade record rather than the paper - the Klink Citrus Association was packing at Ivanhoe from 1917 onward.

11" x 10" ~ little to no wear.

Once a common sight, these Crate Labels are now a treasured relic of a bygone era, becoming increasingly scarce. The impeccable lithography process used in their creation, involving a stone or metal plate to design, is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail that went into their making. This process remains unparalleled, adding to the allure of these labels. The soaring demand for these labels, with museums and art institutes dedicating galleries to them, underscores their growing importance in art and collectibles. This makes them a must-have for any serious collector. The rarity of these labels adds a sense of urgency and importance to your purchase.

Picture this remarkable vintage advertising, a unique piece of history, adorning the walls of your home. Instead of being confined to a museum, it can bring a touch of nostalgia and unparalleled elegance to any room in your home, elevating the aesthetic and sophistication of your living space.