Antique 1920s Appleton Brand Apples Crate Label 🍎 — Borgovich & Dragovich, Watsonville CA — Olsen Litho S.F., Art Nouveau

Step back in time with this extraordinary antique 1920s Appleton Crate Label, a true gem from the Golden Age of fruit crate art! The sheet reads GROWN PACKED AND SHIPPED BY BORGOVICH & DRAGOVICH, WATSONVILLE ~ CALIFORNIA — they grew, packed and shipped the apples — and the label itself was printed by OLSEN LITHO. CO. S. F., whose imprint sits in microtype in the bottom right corner on the gold border rule, this rare piece of Americana is a testament to the rich agricultural history of the region.

Measuring an impressive 10 1/2" x 9 1/2", this vintage label is in remarkable condition, showcasing little to no wear. Its pristine state allows you to fully appreciate the vibrant colors and intricate details that have captivated collectors for decades.

What makes this 1920s Appleton crate label truly special is its status as a rare example of stone lithography. This painstaking printing process, now largely obsolete, produced unparalleled quality and depth of color. Intriguingly, you can observe evidence of cost-saving measures employed by fruit packers of the era. Rather than commissioning entirely new plates - an expensive proposition - they often opted to modify existing ones by blocking out sections that no longer applied. This particular version, with its unique alterations, is increasingly scarce and highly sought after by discerning collectors.

The Appleton crate label is more than just a beautiful piece of art; it's a tangible link to a bygone era, a slice of American history preserved in vivid hues and exquisite detail. The exceptional lithography process used in its creation remains unmatched even by today's advanced printing technologies. It's no wonder that prestigious museums and art institutes dedicate entire galleries to these cultural treasures. A select group of passionate collectors are on a mission to preserve these labels, recognizing their immense historical and artistic value.

Imagine this exquisite piece of vintage advertising gracing your home, instantly transforming any space into a conversation starter! This antique 1920s Appleton label isn't just decor; it's a portal to the past that will ignite lively discussions about American history, art, and the golden age of agriculture. Your guests will be mesmerized by the story behind this unique artifact, elevating your home into a hub of intellectual exchange and excitement.

Whether you're a seasoned collector of Americana, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates fine art, this 1920s Appleton crate label is a must-have addition to your collection. Its rarity, exceptional condition, and historical significance make it a true investment piece. Don't miss this opportunity to own a piece of California's rich agricultural heritage and a stunning example of early 20th-century commercial art. Add this captivating Appleton crate label to your collection today and watch as it becomes the centerpiece of your vintage decor!

🏷️ What Is Printed on This Label

Read off the sheet itself, verbatim — this is the label's own printed text, not a description of it:

• Appleton
• BRAND
• APPLES
• CONTENTS ONE BUSHEL
• GROWN PACKED AND SHIPPED BY
• BORGOVICH & DRAGOVICH
• WATSONVILLE ~ CALIFORNIA
• OLSEN LITHO. CO. S. F.
• [two solid black blocking bars over the lower right yellow apple, with a sliver of red serif lettering surviving between them — ILLEGIBLE]
• [a red panel at lower left with three solid black blocking bars — text completely covered]

The printer is on the object — OLSEN LITHO. CO. S. F., in microtype in the bottom right corner on the gold border rule. Borgovich & Dragovich grew, packed and shipped the apples; Olsen printed the sheet.

This is a MODIFIED PLATE. Two solid black blocking bars are overprinted across the lower right apple, and three more over a red panel at the lower left — the cost-saving plate alteration the copy already describes. What is underneath them cannot be read and is not guessed at here; a sliver of red serif lettering survives between the two bars and that is all.

The dominant artwork is an Art Nouveau woman in a grey-violet classical gown, auburn hair, eyes closed, smelling a red rose, encircled by a silver-grey halo and draped in a garland of pink and crimson roses — described in no body on any island. Three large apples sit at the right on leafy branches, and a centre inset vignette shows a pale-blue-skyed orchard with a white red-roofed farmhouse and purple mountains behind, captioned CONTENTS ONE BUSHEL.