Norman Anthony Novelty Shop Cartoon

Norman Anthony was a towering figure in the cartoon industry in the 1920's and 30's. He was the editor of Judge 1922-1929, Life (a humor magazine, not the photo magazine founded in 1936) 1929-1931 and the founding editor of Ballyhoo from 1931-1939. In all three cases, he had spectacular success in increasing circulation or establishing circulation. Ballyhoo (not to be confused with the girlie magazine of the 1960's) reached a circulation high of two million, about what Mag Magazine reached in its hey day. Like Mad in its hey day, Ballyhoo's chief stock in trade was lampooning current advertising.

As an editor, Anthony helped establish the single caption cartoon (as opposed to the illustration with extensive dialogue) as a major humor medium. In the 1940's he primarily worked as an author.

This undated piece is probably near the end of his career as a cartoonist, judging from the styles, expecially the girl's hair and skirt, this looks like something done during US involvement in World War II. There's no indication it was ever published.