Step back in time and explore the life, artistry, and legacy of one of America's early tattoo artists, Wilbur Raymond King.

For November's Book of the Month, we're highlighting a beautifully crafted collection that celebrates the work of Wilbur Raymond King, a tattoo artist whose career spanned decades of American tattoo history. Packed with original flash, rare photographs, and fascinating details about his life, this book offers a glimpse into an era when tattooing was still finding its place in American culture.

And for the entire month of November, we're offering this incredible piece of tattoo history for just $60 (regularly $80)! That's 25% off!

The Life and Legacy of Wilbur Raymond King

Born in New Albany, Indiana, in 1894, Wilbur Raymond King began his tattooing career in 1912 after attending the Indiana School for the Deaf.

Like many tattoo artists of his time, King found work along America's traveling carnival and circus circuit. During an era when tattooing was closely tied to sideshows, traveling entertainers, and working-class culture, artists like King helped shape the foundations of what we now recognize as traditional American tattooing.

By the early 1940s, King had settled in central Kentucky with his wife, Fannie. Despite his hearing impairment, he built a life through several trades, working as a farmer, sign painter, tradesman, and tattoo artist until his passing in 1969.

His story is a reminder of the resourcefulness and dedication of early tattoo artists, many of whom balanced tattooing with other trades while helping keep the craft alive.

A Collection of Traditional American Tattoo Flash

One of the highlights of this book is its incredible collection of over 40 sheets containing hundreds of King's tattoo flash designs.

These designs offer a firsthand look at the imagery and artistic traditions of early 20th-century tattooing. Long before digital references and modern tattoo equipment, artists relied on hand-painted flash, craftsmanship, and their own creativity to develop designs that would stand the test of time.

For today's tattoo artists, King's work serves as both a historical reference and a source of inspiration. For collectors and enthusiasts, it's an opportunity to appreciate the artistry that helped build the foundation of American tattoo culture.

A Special Connection to Lucky's Tattoo Museum

We're especially proud to feature this book because Lucky's Tattoo Museum provided special contributions to its creation.

Preserving tattoo history has always been an important part of what we do at Lucky Supply. Through the museum, we're dedicated to collecting, protecting, and sharing the artwork, equipment, and stories of the artists who helped shape the tattoo industry.

Being able to contribute to a publication documenting Wilbur Raymond King's life and work makes this month's featured book particularly meaningful to us.

Projects like this are exactly why preserving historical tattoo materials matters. They help ensure that the stories and artistic contributions of early tattooers remain accessible to future generations of artists, collectors, and historians.

More Than Just a Flash Book

Beyond the artwork, this collection takes readers deeper into King's personal and professional life through a full biography, rare family photographs, images of his tattoo machines, and photographs of his tattoos.

These details help tell the story of the man behind the designs, offering a more personal connection to a tattoo artist whose work might otherwise have been lost to time.

Inside the book, you'll find:

• Over 40 sheets featuring hundreds of King's original tattoo flash designs

• A full biography documenting his life and career

• Rare family photographs of Wilbur Raymond King

• Photographs of his tattoo machines and tattoo work

• 80 oversized 12" × 8" pages printed on premium 100 lb matte paper

• Flexible lay-flat stitch binding, perfect for studying the artwork

• A beautiful embossed fabric cover

• Special contributions from Lucky's Tattoo Museum

Why Preserving Tattoo History Matters

At Lucky Supply and Lucky's Tattoo Museum, we believe understanding where tattooing came from is just as important as appreciating where it's going.

Artists like Wilbur Raymond King helped build the foundation of the industry we know today, often working without the recognition, resources, or conveniences available to modern tattooers.

Books like this help preserve their stories, artwork, and contributions for future generations. Whether you're researching traditional American tattoo designs, collecting historical tattoo memorabilia, or simply interested in the people who shaped the craft, this collection deserves a place on your bookshelf.

W. R. King - A Look Into American Tattoo History

Regular Price: $80.00

November Book of the Month Price: $60.00

Save $20 throughout November!

Whether you're a tattoo artist looking for traditional flash inspiration, a collector of tattoo history, or someone who appreciates the craftsmanship of early American tattooing, this book is a worthy addition to your library.

It's also a thoughtful gift for the tattoo artist or history enthusiast in your life, especially with the holidays right around the corner!

🍀 Keep tattoo history alive. Explore our November Book of the Month and discover the incredible work of W. R. King.

Shop now at www.luckysupplyusa.com