Catalog: Popular Collectibles (243)

Offered are two, highly-collectible, circa 1860-70's, earthenware, pictorial plates featuring two scenes from the enormously popular, 1852, novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe.

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" or "Life Among the Lowly", is an anti-slavery novel that was published in two volumes and which had a profound effect on attitudes toward African-Americans and slavery in the U.S. It is said to have "helped lay the groundwork for the American Civil War".

Each plate is priced separately at $195.00 each or both plates for $325.00.

One plate depicts the sale of slave, Uncle Tom, while the other plate depicts the death of little Eva. The text on each plate is in German: "Evas Todt" or in English, "The Death of Eva", and "Slavel Tom Von LeGree Gekauft" or in English, "The Slave Tom Purchased by (Simon} LeGree".

Produced for use by children as subtle educational tools, the plates measure 7 5/8 inches in diameter and are decorated with black transfer, printed, Uncle Tom vignettes.

The condition of both plates is quite superb with subtle crazing lightly evident on the backs of plates only. Also on the backs of each plate are tiny, factory-flaw imperfections where glazing failed to bind to the earthenware (represented in close-up photo). The "Sale of Uncle Tom" plate has three such imperfections on its back side along with a tiny area of bleeding of transfer color under the glaze (see close-up photo). The "Death of Eva" plate displays more evident crazing on the back as compared to the "Sale of Tom" plate along with three factory-flaw imperfections, as described above. The "Eva" plate also appears to have three, extremely fine, light, scratch lines running across the front of the plate that are most readily noticeable only in close-up photos; when one runs a finger along the lines, the imperfections are so fine that they cannot be felt and certainly represent no threat to structural integrity.

The plates were produced by the Schramberg Pottery of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, founded in 1820 by stoneware expert, Isidor Faist. The plate featuring the sale of Uncle Tom is impressed "Schramberg" while the other plate has no marking. It is evident, however, that both plates were manufactured by the Schramberg factory.

Measuring only 2.75 inches high, this darling 1920's Black Memorabilia souvenir piece is in amazing condition considering its delicate, sea shell construction.

A tiny bisque black boy holding a watermelon slice is seated on a throne of sea shells. The name of the location that this sea shell souvenir was meant to commemorate is worn and is no longer readable.

Two very minor chips are present as shown in photos which do not detract from the beauty of this piece!

A wonderful and quite rare piece of 1950's Black Memorabilia!!

This unique, Japanese made, 6" tall Black Sailor or Pirate ceramic nodder by UCAGCO is in mint condition--no cracks, chips, paint wear or repaint!!! Any white spots, etc in photos are purely the function of poor photography!

This interesting fellow wears blue and white striped pants, yellow and green shirt, and yellow jacket. His head nods "yes" and his flowered-painted fan can be made to wave in any direction.

Both head & fan have "Pat T.T." impressed on the weighted stem.

Truly a quite rarely-found piece of Black Americana with a book value exceeding $450.00.

Please see the two additional Black Memorabilia nodders also available by Ardalt Co., Japan - the darling Black Girl Child Nodder and her companion piece, the adorable Black Boy Child Clown Nodder.

Offered for your consideration is a wonderful group of 4 Burroughs & Wellcome pill tiles featuring a different scene or theme on each tile. The attractive pill tiles measure 6" square and are in unused, boxed condition. Some staining and wear to the paper label as seen in the photos.

These handmade tiles originate from Delft, Holland, and are part of a limited edition commissioned by the Burroughs & Wellcome Co. The back of each tile sports a label with a description including a brief history.

Ready to display, frame or hang in your favorite collection.

Tiles are priced $20 each.

Measuring nearly 8 inches tall, this fabulous and rarely found, early, lithographed, tin toy, No. 1750, retaining its original box, was made by the Lindstrom Tool & Toy Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut.

This late 1930's toy is the later version of the two Mammy walker toys produced by this company. It is marked on back just under the white apron tie, "Lindstrom Corporation Made in USA". The marking is very faint, and thus, difficult to read without scrutiny. The contrast in this photo has been enhanced so that the manufacturer labeling is easier to visualize online.

Mammy shuffles along quite vigorously via her original wind-up mechanism while she holds her broom and quickly "sweeps" back and forth.

Over 70 years old, Mammy is still quite sturdy as she was well made, but she does show some minor scratching and paint loss from play over the years as the photos indicate. Her coloring remains brilliant!

The box remains in very good condition with minimal wear to seams considering its age. Coloring is strong. One flap at the top of the box is detached but present.

Sweeping Mammy is a must-have addition to any Black Memorabilia Toy collection!

Elaborate graphics which include the California State Seal adds to the importance of this authentic, museum-quality, 1892, TEACHING LICENSE / DIPLOMA issued by the STATE OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY, DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.

Text indicates that the diploma was awarded to Mary L. Downey on January 15, 1892, and certified her to teach the Grammar or Primary Grade for the subsequent 6 years. Signed by 5 members of the California State Board of Education.

Further documentation on reverse reads, "Issued on the recommendation of the Board of Education of San Francisco, in accordance with Section 1521 of the Political Code, upon a first grade or Grammar Grade Certificate of San Francisco, 86.7% (Mary’s teacher examination grade).”

With the exception of early fold lines, condition is mint! Measures 8 inches X 10.5 inches.

See my other items for an 1899 Teaching Certificate awarded to Mary's sister, Josephine Downey!

A wonderful piece of museum-quality, educational ephemera representing San Francisco's and the state of California's early educational history!

Entitled "A Chip O' The Old Block", the theme of this 1906 copyrighted lithograph features a derogatory stereotype not recognized as such when it was published 115 years ago. A very young African American toddler, bare-bottomed and still just crawling, is attempting to catch a fleeing hen - the caption implying, just as would his parent. The great irony here is that the artwork is quite skillfully and beautifully executed.

Measuring 8.5" wide x 6.6" long, the original frame is unusually embellished in the lower left hand corner with a very detailed, three-dimensional image of a wicker baby carriage fashioned from an unidentifiable medium. The carriage is missing part of the handle, part of one carriage wheel, and a teeny bit has also been lost on the upper part of that same wheel, but these missing pieces do little to take away from this embellishment's unique character. This is a unique and interesting piece, indeed!

The lithograph measures 5.5" wide x 3.5" long and is signed "Wall" in the grass under the toddler's left foot. The copyright date, 1906, and the publisher, The Ullman Mfg. Co. of New York, appear in the lower right corner. The original backside paper liner is missing.

The book, THOMPSON IN AFRICA or AN ACCOUNT OF THE MISSIONARY LABORS, SUFFERINGS, TRAVELS, AND OBSERVATIONS is the compilation of the journal kept by missionary George Thompson while working at the Mendi Mission in Sierra Leone, Africa, during the period 1848-1851. This is a second edition published in 1852, printed for the author by William Harned, 48 Beekman Street, New York City (the first edition was published in 1851).

George Thompson’s missionary service to Africa occurs approximately 7 years after the MENDI natives of the AMISTAD were accompanied by missionaries on their return to Africa. He serves this very same mission, now in the of colony Sierra Leone, a colony which was established to serve as refuge for the liberated Africans taken from slave ships.

356 pages long, this journal provides a fascinating account of all aspects of the Mendi culture seen through the eyes, however biased in his mission to convert the Africans to Christianity, of a genuinely well-meaning gentleman of his time. Condition: complete, tight binding, foxing throughout, spine wear as shown in picture.

Thompson states, “It is hoped that the following narrative may, in the hands of GOD, awaken a desire in many hearts to go to Africa, for the purposes of preaching, teaching, farming, building houses, mills, manufactories, etc., and thus assist in making long despised and neglected AFRICA, what it is capable of becoming, THE GARDEN OF THE WORLD.”

Offered is a wonderful 1934 edition of Topsy Turvy and the Tin Clown by Bernice G. Anderson and illustrated by Esther Friend.

This seldom found copy was originally published in 1932 by Rand McNally & Company of New York.

This copy has superficial scratches to the front and back covers, as well as surface soiling, and wear on book cover edges.(see photos). The front cover has a slight tear at the crease that does not effect strength or integrity of the cover board. A couple of pages have minor staining. The binding is super-tight and all pages remain present.

Topsy's adventures are divided into three chapters in length, approximately 59 numbered pages. Book is filled with a variety of black-ink and black and red illustrations as represented in photos. The story of Topsy was likely inspired by the Little Black Sambo stories which originated at the turn of the 20th century. PLEASE NOTE: in the photos, the printing seems light and faded- not so! It is merely the function of over-lighting or light reflection.

A wonderful and truly RARE book not to be missed!

Please see the other Topsy Turvy book available for separate purchase, a 1938 copy of Topsy Turvy's PigTails.

Measuring 7 inches long x 4 inches high x 6 inches wide, this all tin, 1943 copyrighted, WOLVERINE “SEE and SPELL” educational school toy is in fine overall condition! The tin is lithographed with a delightful scene of school children standing at the front of the class during a spelling bee with the teacher seen in the lower left corner holding a spelling book! Just adorable! On the back of the toy, a lone boy is seen drawing pictures and practicing spelling at a portable chalk board.

The toy is operated by pushing either side handle in a downward motion, which makes the words and pictures spin inside the toy. When the motion stops, four different spelling words with their accompanying pictures appear in the eight different windows.

Other than light surface blemishes due to age and gentle use, and the 4 missing tab covers which are supposed to keep the spelling words hidden, this vintage toy is in remarkable condition and makes a very colorful display piece!

Measuring 13 inches high, this delightful, hand-made, brother and sister pair of Black cloth dolls were made circa 1940's, by "Roxie" of Asheville, North Carolina, as attested to by the dollmaker's tag sewn on the brother's backside.

Both dolls are in near perfect condition with the exception of a tiny teardrop mark under brother's left eye and a tiny hole next to sister's left side of face on her hairline. Detailing is very sweet with nicely embroidered facial features and color-coordinated, machine-stitched clothing. Hair is authentic looking made of fuzzy wool yarn-- brother's hair is curly and nubby--- sister's is done in a head full of bow-tied pigtails! Bodies are machine-stitched, brown cotton that are each stuffed with cotton batting.

A pair of cuties!!!

While the photo depicts a grouping of 3 different, vintage 1930-40's, French Rum labels, only the oval label is available at $14.00, as the other 2 have been sold.

The label is unused and is in excellent condition with wonderful, even coloring (any appearance of fading is due to light reflection only).

Approximate measurements: the oval label measures 4.50 x 3.50 inches.

Would look wonderful framed!!

Please take a moment to view my other grouping of vintage French rum labels!

De-accessioned from the inventory of the ill-fated Middle Passage Museum (see museum history below), this very unusual and atypical, 19th century, estate document is offered for sale, the purpose of which was to itemize and execute a division of property from the estate of the deceased, southern plantation owner. This document was purchased in the 1960s by one of the founders of the Middle Passage Museum from a descendant of this Sumter County, Georgia, plantation owner.

This is single page, partial document written on both front and back sides. It is missing its first page which would have shown the name of the deceased slave owner and the listing of the interior household goods and furnishings, and the last page which would have noted the date and county in which the document was executed as well as witness and judicial signatures. However, the most historically significant page exists and is offered here- a plantation estate document in which the slaves are referenced by name and further described by their family position and marital status!

What makes this document EXTRAORDINARILY RARE, UNUSUAL, and ATYPICAL is that it proceeds to, first, categorize the 40 slaves using the word SLAVES instead of the common verbiage of the time -Negroes-, and secondly, it proceeds to list the male slaves BY NAME, ALONG WITH THE NAMES OF THEIR WIVES AND THEIR CHILDREN, with monetary value listed in the right column of the document!!!! In two instances, the number of years married is also listed! Children are labeled "Girl, "Boy", or "Infant". Total value of these 40 slaves was calculated at $24,200.00!

Given that slaves were viewed as property and not human beings in any way equal to the Caucasian race which enslaved them, it is extraordinarily unusual to find a document which recognizes and lists slaves as "Family Units", further designating family position- husband, wife or child! Typically,there was little, if any, thought given to the pain and anguish such slave families would suffer if their "owner" chose to sell off any one of them at any given time. Such estate documents as this listing ENTIRE SLAVE FAMILIES BY NAME is simply without precedent! It would indeed be a phenomenal discovery to be able to identify the plantation and/or deceased slave owner as such an estate listing speaks to an uncommon, albeit, rare and unique perspective of slave ownership. Such a personalized and humanized account of the slaves owned makes this particular document all the more heart-wrenching, and it certainly begs the very sad question of whether or not these slave families were allowed to remain united and intact once the final estate disposition was conducted.

The document measures approximately 8 1/2 inches wide x 14 1/8 inches long, is double-sided and is in good condition, with fold lines evident along with some age-related foxing at top and bottom fold lines. 1 3/4 tear along the fold line of the top fold at right edge. The ink color is sepia toned (likely as a result of some fading over time) on a pale blue, vertically-ruled, heavy paper. This phenomenal piece of cultural ephemera is ready for appropriate archival preservation/framing.

The listing of slaves is on the back side of the document with the front side listing farm animals, equipment and supplies along with values- "The following property set apart for the use and benefit of the farm".

Middle Passage Museum History: The Middle Passage Museum was the dream of Jim and Mary Anne Petty of Mississippi as well as that of an anonymous Georgian benefactor who had together compiled a collection of slave artifacts numbering over 15,000 pieces and who had hoped to find a permanent site in Mobile, Alabama, for their museum. While they formed a non-profit organization to raise funds for their hoped-for museum, their dream was never realized.

In a 2003 statement, Jim Petty remarked, "The importance of the exhibit of these artifacts is to understand the harshness of what slavery and segregation was all about. The items in the exhibit remind us of the terrible heinousness of slavery. Viewing the collection can be very emotional, but it is a tool through which we can understand, honor and respect a great culture. We want to realize that out of slavery, a great culture emerged, and carried on, and continued to strive for a better life regardless of the adverse conditions that were placed upon them."

This vintage 1940's cardboard advertising fan for the Petersburg Furniture Company, Inc., located at 100 North Sycamore Street, Petersburg, Virginia, measures 12" long x 7 " wide and is mounted on a wooden stick handle.

Featuring a double heart motif, the advertising slogan spouts, "When Two Hearts Beat As One, It's Time To Buy Your Furniture From "Old Reliable" Petersburg Furniture Company, "Petersburg's Oldest Furniture Store!

Neat mid-20th-century advertising piece in very fine original condition!

Professionally framed in 1992 with museum-quality, acid-free backing as well as acid-free double-mats, this fabulous 1863, fashion print from Godey's Lady's Book Magazine depicts the high style of the upper echelons of ladies' fashions during the Abraham Lincoln presidency, 159 years ago!

These fashion prints were typically placed at the front of the magazine, carefully folded to protect them from damage. They were reproduced from an actual, highly-detailed engraving which was then hand-tinted. Accompanying these fashion prints (or fashion plates as they were often referred to as) were very detailed descriptions about the garments featured as well as the occasions in which they could be appropriately worn.

This Godey's print features 5 ladies who have gathered together for tea and cakes while a young girl attempts to play with her dog who is distracted by the cake one lady holds in her hand!

This "fashion plate" print is in wonderful condition with just a single, teeny circular age-related early stain in the extreme lower left corner. Fold lines original to the print's placement in the magazine are noted. The print is double matted in gray and a very pale mauve- colors that reflect the shadowing in the print as well as the shades worn by both the little girl playing with her dog as well as the lady second from the right who wears the most intricately ornate gown featured!

Measuring 12.75" long x 14.75" wide, this highly decorative wood frame is silver toned with subtle hints of gold and is in mint condition.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL PHOTOS WERE TAKEN THROUGH THE GLASS which accounts for any and all bizarre reflections and/or aberrations in tone or color that might appear in photos.

A bit of history: Godey's Lady's Book or Magazine was an American women's magazine that was published from 1830 to 1878 in Philadelphia. It not only featured fashions of the time, but short stories, poetry, directions and patterns for sewing garments at home as well as piano sheet music. Even though the yearly subscription of $3 was quite expensive for the time, the magazine was extraordinarily popular - the most popular monthly journal of its time, with subscribers at its peak reaching 150,000.

Please see the other framed Godey's print we are offering featuring two different fashion plates! Simply type "Godey's" into the search bar.

Measuring 15 inches long by 13 inches wide, this delightful, unsigned, watercolor features a charming rendition of a young black boy straddling a fence while clutching a plump watermelon!

Remaining in its original frame with original wooden and paper backing, this watercolor retains its framer's identifying sticker which reads, "Staton's Art Shop 5409 Germantown Ave." Perhaps this Germantown address indicates Philadelphia area origin? In the interests of proper conservation, the new owner should re-frame this lovely piece with appropriate acid-free materials.

Please ignore any white streaks seen in photos; these are the result of light reflection off of the glass.

A lovely watercolor- nicely executed!

Offered are two, VERY RARE, 1880's, Black Americana advertisements printed in Germany and sold by the Bim Brothers, London. The two advertisements both feature African Americans- one showcasing a family of five out for a stroll in the park, and the other featuring a group of nine folks of varying ages playing musical instruments and dancing in celebration.

The products which these advertisements were meant to endorse is unknown. The advertisements feature a high-shine, glossy finish which compliments the beautiful detailing and intense coloring of each piece. Both would look fabulous framed!

The advertisement featuring the strolling family measures approximately 7.25 inches wide x 10.25 inches long. The advertisement featuring the nine celebrators measures approximately 10.25 inches wide x 7.25 inches long.

Please note that any white specks that seem prominent in the closeup photos are the result of light bouncing off the surfaces of the aged advertisements. These pieces are approximately 140 years old, and while in very good condition given their age, both do have tiny surface imperfections, bend lines and light edge wear. The advertisement featuring the celebrators has significant edge wear and some paper loss along the horizontal top and bottom of the piece; however, with proper matting and framing, these imperfections can be easily and completely hidden.

The advertisements are PRICED EACH as follows: $35 for the family of five out for a stroll and $25 for the advertisement featuring the 9 celebrating and dancing folk.

This 1970 era, laser cut, Ramada Inn Hotel and Restaurant advertising sign sports patriotically-colored red, white and blue detailing. The sign highlights Ramada's SPECIAL GOLF PACKAGES and its very humorously-named "DUFFERS LOUNGE"! (In golf, a duffer is a mediocre or poor golfer.).

The 2 inch thick wood sign measures 20 inches long by 5.5 inches wide and is in very good condition. The sign has some areas of faint edge splits, minor paint loss and other unobtrusive imperfections commensurate with age and use. The patriotic colors and embossed lettering create a striking display piece. Ready for hanging above your home bar or within your golf memorabilia collection!