It's extremely rare to see a signed and personalized Popeye drawing done by a Fleischer animator - especially a great one like Abner. Blog reader Paul Narcisse is the lucky owner of one such drawing and gave me the story behind it:
'I was wondering if you could help me with more information about Abner (Kneitel) since I have a sketch from him. My Grandfather was a doctor and Abner was a patient of his. I have a pencil sketch of Popeye signed by Abner dated 12/3/1935, with a personal thank you written on the 8x10 picture.'
I am glad that I saved it from my aunts who wanted to sell it, the monetary value could not replace the sentimental value.'
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SumeYDansurpN5PdJgWeH9TWanl3arVEZDe2yjRGTSaN5mIxwKWH1y7nonIKZH-ez0taMDjpGUbE8wYAaiL8cuFZZVRTTBSVSpSZ2zbfJFNPeJLCKiN5hitgipg5uguKWpApzM0mrcZl/s280/Abner+Kneitel+drawing.JPG)
Click on image to enlarge
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVIxJb6ppzVa8bpkSqeSrGx-8S4JicdugrHo-PCB1ae1nN0wmqlIGBbNNPw9VQVG3kzhjpmdQdc7Ar7a_ZbUTqBzKjhz_DegZx1LCATQXXcFcRRhF1-FEj01wdHcViCPLeLd6h8FfTLSL/s280/Abner+Kneitel+signature.JPG)
Thanks to Paul Narcisse for the photos and allowing me to post his drawing.
More on Abner soon.