Hey, if I have to explain who Billy DeBeck (1890-1942) was to youse, then youse kids will have to get off my lawn! Barney Google daily strips are not uncommon. What is uncommon is to find dailies earlier than 1931. For some reason, most of the original artwork from 1931 must be out there, as it’s the most common year of the strip to find. But 1920s dailies? You can find them if you search long enough, but they are not at all common. Which is why I’m pleased to offer up a really sweet Barney Google daily strip from January 15, 1927. The strip is dated February 15, but actually ran on January 15 of the same year. In the story line, Barney swipes Sparkplug from Major Muffit and is suddenly a wanted man for absconding with Sparky. The major offers a handsome reward for Sparky’s safe return, and when Barney is cleared of all charges, he attempts to collect the reward from Major Muffit. As you can see, things don’t go as Barney imagined they would. The strip features a classic shot of Barney riding atop Sparkplug in the first panel. This is that ever-so-slightly smaller Barney of the earlier days, not that he ever became Victor Wembanyama! The drawing is just marvelous, with that rich hatching of DeBeck’s that was influenced by Phil May’s pen work. The strip measures 4¾”x 18¼”, and is in solid Fine condition. There are some glue stains on the back, but there is nothing that affects the front of the image. This is a great opportunity to pick up a terrific and early example of a class strip. $875.00 + 17.00 first class shipping. If insurance is desired, it would be extra. Fee-free PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or a check only on this one.
